Government Discusses Health Emergency Response Plan and Houthi Escalation Fallout
The National Committee for Health Emergency Coordination discussed, on Thursday in the interim capital Aden, the repercussions of Houthi military escalation on health and humanitarian conditions, the health sector's readiness for emergencies, and challenges threatening the continuity of medical services.
The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Public Health and Population, Qasem Buhaibeh, with the participation of undersecretaries of relevant ministries and representatives of international organizations. Participants discussed the latest health and epidemiological situation, the needs to enhance the health response, especially for the displaced, in addition to preparations for implementing the measles vaccination campaign.
Buhaibeh stated that the health sector is one of the most affected by the military escalation's repercussions, due to its services being directly linked to citizens' lives and its reliance on the availability of medicines, medical supplies, qualified personnel, and necessary operational capabilities.
He noted that the escalating military and humanitarian situations increase pressure on health institutions and their staff amidst limited resources and growing needs, stressing the necessity of taking possible measures and starting necessary interventions without waiting for full capabilities to be available.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a minimum level of readiness in health facilities, ensuring the continuity of essential services, and mitigating the health and humanitarian consequences of the current situation.
The Minister of Health stressed that confronting health emergencies is a shared responsibility that requires ministries and relevant authorities to fulfill their duties, enhance coordination, and integrate interventions to increase the effectiveness of the multi-sectoral response and contribute to the optimal use of available resources.
The meeting reviewed the responsibilities of the committee's member agencies and mechanisms to enhance their contribution to the health response. It also discussed the national health emergency response plan and the necessary interventions to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and protect the most vulnerable groups.
The meeting concluded by approving a number of recommendations and assignments aimed at enhancing coordination among concerned parties, activating follow-up mechanisms, and defining priorities and responsibilities to support the implementation of required interventions and raise the level of preparedness for health emergencies.
المصدر: Saba Net
