UNICEF, USAID launch new program to support Yemen’s health system

Aden, 13 June 2023 – Today, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a US$1.1 million contribution to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support new programs building on previous U.S.-funded activities to support COVID-19 response and strengthen health systems in Yemen.

The USAID-supported programs will help Yemen transition from emergency response to a more sustainable, long-term phase to integrate COVID-19 vaccines and strengthen the health system to deliver critical clinical care for patients in intensive care units.

“We are transitioning our COVID-19 assistance from the earlier emergency response activities to a longer-term approach which integrates COVID-19 care into the overall health system,” said USAID Country Director for Yemen Kimberlee Bell. “In coordination with our Yemeni health partners, USAID has provided assistance in the past to improve local health systems. Today we are thrilled to announce these two new contributions which will improve lifesaving health services for the Yemeni people.”

The USAID-funded program will also take the next steps to coordinate and integrate routine COVID-19 vaccination into the health care system in the governorates of Abyan, Hadramout, Lahj, and Taiz. This includes support for staffing of primary health care services and at district hospitals, as well as community-based outreach to boost the number of Yemenis getting vaccinated.

“The role that health workers play every day to provide services to the communities is crucial. With this contribution from USAID, we will be able to strengthen their capacities to reach more girl, boys and mothers with primary healthcare services,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative to Yemen.

USAID contribution of $1.1 million to UNICEF will help UNICEF train 750 health workers on community-based services, community mobilization, and infection prevention and control. The program will also provide financial support to 1,200 community health workers over a three- month period to enable them to make home visits. It will improve the ability of health workers to prevent and respond to COVID outbreaks.

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