Nearly 6 years into the war in Yemen, the healthcare system has in large parts collapsed. On 13 June 2018, an offensive battle was launched by the Saudi and Emirati led coalition, to seize Hodeidah from Ansar Allah forces. Clashes occurred south of Hodeidah airport, and fighting was reported along this frontline over the following three months. Despite the ceasefire deal brokered in Sweden between warring parties in mid-December 2018, the conflict continues. Daily clashes are affecting people living near the frontlines, either by direct shelling or stray bullets. Many families have been forced to move to other areas.
The war has not only impacted people, but also infrastructure. Attacks and blockages on the main road between Hodeidah and the capital Sana’a make it harder for people to move and reach hospitals and medical centers. The fuel shortages and poor living conditions make transportation a lot more expensive. Some families are relying on improvised, or home-made medicinal treatment, and in many cases, this is further deteriorating their health conditions.
In September 2018, MSF started working in Al Salakhana hospital in Hodeidah city. Teams run the emergency room and operating theatres to provide emergency medical and surgical care and in-patient department for most critical cases. Our teams regularly receive patients affected by shelling, stray bullets, road traffic accidents and all emergency cases.
In Ad Dahi rural hospital, north of Hodeidah city, but still in Hodeidah governorate, MSF teams provide services for people living in the district and coming from the neighbouring remote villages. We are supporting the Ad Dahi rural hospital since January 2019, by running ER activities, paediatric and Neonatal ward, In-Patient Department and Intensive Care Unit, and managing the referral system to refer all surgical and orthopaedics cases to our own Al Salakhana hospital. We are also responding to malaria and dengue outbreaks in the governorate.