Aid in health centers goes beyond treatment

Health and nutrition centers are a key refuge in Yemen, a country facing relentless challenges. These places offer more than treatment. They are a place where struggling children and pregnant mothers can get much needed care.

Maha, a grateful mother talks about the relief she felt when she brought her underweight baby to the center. Her son has shown remarkable progress after having trouble gaining weight due to a lack of healthy food. "Now he's gained weight and everything about him is normal," she comments with obvious relief. 

This story is one of many, reflecting the broader impact of the nutritional support programs in the region. To date, these efforts have reached 2,851 malnourished children under the age of five, within a total catchment population of 41,394. Each number represents a life being steered away from the brink of malnutrition, illustrating the vital role of targeted nutrition interventions in transforming health outcomes for the most vulnerable.

Salim echoes this sentiment when he talks about his granddaughter Alia. When Alia arrived at the health facility, she was severely underweight and had a fever. Thanks to nutritional support and medication, her health improved. "We're thankful because her health has improved," Salim says, a testament to the impact of the site. Fatima, a midwife and nurse, describes the holistic care at the health facility: Pregnant women, who are part of the 45% of the population most affected by malnutrition, are monitored throughout their pregnancy and receive essential health checks and nutrition counseling. The center also supports to new mothers during pregnancy to ensure their well-being and it continues to help post-birth. Following delivery, it provides vaccinations and other vital services during the postpartum period to promote the health of both the mother and child.

Health facility manager Hadi highlights the dramatic change in access: Where such services were once fee-based, everyone who is in need can now access them free of charge, including essential medications and health screenings. "Everything is there now," he says, referring to the vast improvements in local health care resources.

The aid here goes beyond treatment—it is a beacon of care in times of need, offering a brighter future for Yemeni children and mothers. 

Individual lives have improved, and the resilience of the communities hit hardest by adversity, is strengthened. 

But as we recognise the important work done through these health and nutrition facilities, we are reminded of the importance of the need to continuing this essential work. 

This is a call for anyone who can help to get involved in this mission and support our ongoing efforts in the south of Yemen.