King Salman Center continues to combat cholera in Yemen: Services for thousands of beneficiaries
The emergency cholera response project in Yemen continued its tireless efforts to provide medical and preventative care, thanks to the generous and ongoing support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Field reports for the period from December 3 to 9 show that medical and diagnostic services were provided to 2,069 beneficiaries, as part of the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the epidemic and protect public health in Yemeni governorates.
Details of field services and epidemiological survey
The project's activities during the designated week included conducting thorough and comprehensive screenings to detect suspected cases of cholera. These efforts focused on key strategic locations, including Aden and Al-Rayyan airports, as well as land border crossings such as Al-Hafiya and Razih. Medical teams covered extensive areas in coastal and inland Hadramawt, and the governorates of Aden, Hajjah, and Sa'dah. A positive indicator noted in the report was the absence of any suspected or confirmed cases of cholera among travelers and those screened during this period, reflecting the effectiveness of the monitoring and surveillance measures.
Community awareness: the first line of defense
Believing that prevention is better than cure, the project placed great emphasis on health awareness and education. A total of 322 intensive awareness sessions were conducted, benefiting 8,057 individuals from various age groups. These sessions focused on modes of transmission, the importance of personal hygiene, and how to disinfect water—essential steps to break the chain of disease spread in local communities.
The context of the health crisis and the importance of intervention
This project comes at a time when Yemen’s health sector is facing immense challenges as a result of years of conflict, which have damaged sanitation and water infrastructure, creating a breeding ground for epidemics like cholera. Cholera has posed a significant threat to the lives of Yemenis in recent years; therefore, continued support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre is crucial to preventing a resurgence of the epidemic on catastrophic levels and to alleviating the burden on the already strained health system.
Preventive measures and comprehensive logistical support
The project is not limited to screening alone; it adopts a comprehensive preventative and treatment strategy targeting the most affected areas. This strategy includes:
- Deploying specialized medical teams to monitor travelers at land and air ports of entry.
- Providing health facilities with essential medical supplies, including intravenous and oral rehydration solutions, and specific antibiotics.
- Providing protective equipment and sterilization materials to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
- Expanding the clinical capacity in isolation and treatment centers to accommodate any potential increases in cases.
These efforts embody the leading and humanitarian role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting the brotherly Yemeni people, ensuring their health security, and reducing the spread of infectious diseases that may affect the region’s health and social stability.
