Establishing oxygen stations in health facilities in Yemen enhances emergency preparedness, reduces dependence on external suppliers, and improves patient care quality, thereby strengthening the health sector's resilience.
Summary
Yemen's Health Crisis and Oxygen Stations
• Yemen's fourth quarter of 2023 saw an increase in suspected cholera cases across multiple governorates.
• Half of all health facilities in Yemen are partially or completely closed due to a lack of staff, funds, electricity, or medicines.
• The crisis has led to a shortage of electricity and fuel, disrupting oxygen production and affecting both public and private sectors.
• WHO has implemented a project to establish five oxygen stations across the governorates of Abyan, Hadhramaut, Al Maharah, Marib, and Shabwah.
• The project has affected the lives of 235,943 people, including 85,454 who received life-changing oxygen therapy.
• Establishing oxygen stations enhances the capacity of health facilities to respond to emergencies and enhances the preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage oxygen resources effectively.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Yemen experienced an increase in suspected cholera cases across multiple governorates. Initially, partners reported a higher proportion of suspected cases in Shabwah by mid-October 2023. Following that, increased rates were confirmed in the governorates of Shabwah, Hadramawt, Aden, Abyan, Lahj, Al Maharah, Al Dhale', Taiz, and Al Hodeidah.
Approximately 540,000 Yemeni children under the age of five are currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which poses a direct risk of death. Due to a lack of staff, funds, electricity, or medicines, approximately half of all health facilities in the country are either partially or completely closed. All of this reflects a tragic reality in Yemen's health sector.
Because of the Yemeni crisis, many health facilities are struggling to meet urgent needs to provide essential health services. These needs include electricity and fuel, with a shortage affecting both the public and private sectors and disrupting oxygen production exacerbating an already dire situation.
As a result, establishing oxygen stations in health facilities is a strategic approach that not only meets the immediate need for medical oxygen but also strengthens the health sector's overall resilience by improving emergency preparedness, reducing reliance on external suppliers, and improving patient care quality.
WHO has implemented a revolutionary project in Yemen, building 5 oxygen stations across the governorates of Abyan, Hadhramaut, Al Maharah, Marib, and Shabwah, thanks to generous financing from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). These stations, each located in a major hospital, fulfill the crucial demand for a reliable medical oxygen source in remote health facilities.
This strategic decision not only reduces expenses but also strengthens healthcare institutions, stabilizing operational capacity and assuring a consistent flow of medical oxygen. The influence extends beyond basic care to intensive care units, nursery units, emergency rooms, operating theatres, and other therapeutic facilities.
The project exceeded expectations, affecting the lives of 235 943 people, including 85 454 who received life-changing oxygen therapy. This program has exceeded its objectives by dramatically improving the healthcare landscape, as well as the health and well-being of the five governorates.
"This hospital has a remarkable impact on the community," stated Dr. Al-Zubaidi. "The Tarim district's access to health care has improved significantly as a result of the hospital's construction of a cutting-edge oxygen station. People can now readily get the oxygen they need."
Establishing oxygen stations in health facilities can be considered a valuable strategy for building resilience in the health sector, particularly in addressing the challenge of insufficient availability of medical oxygen. Medical oxygen is a critical component in the treatment of various health conditions, including respiratory illnesses, surgical procedures, and emergencies.
Oxygen stations enhance the capacity of health facilities to respond to emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or pandemics. Having a dedicated and well-equipped oxygen supply infrastructure enables healthcare providers to respond swiftly to surges in demand for medical oxygen during crises.
Establishing oxygen stations also involves training healthcare staff in the proper handling, storage, and administration of medical oxygen. This capacity-building aspect enhances the overall preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage oxygen resources effectively.
Establishing oxygen stations in health facilities is critical in addressing Yemen's severe medical oxygen shortage. The successful implementation of such a project by WHO, funded by KSrelief, is a strategic approach that not only meets immediate needs but also strengthens the health sector's resilience by improving emergency preparedness, reducing reliance on external suppliers, and improving patient care quality.
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