LocationsHealth center transforms Yemeni village after 20-year wait
August 25, 2024
The newly constructed health unit in Dhahr Abu Tair Village, Hajjah.
For over two decades, the village of Dhahr Abu Tir in Hajjah Governorate, Yemen, has faced many challenges related to limited resources; an effect of prolonged conflict in Yemen. The absence of a proper health unit had a severe impact on the villagers, especially women and children. The community experienced increased maternal and newborn death rates.
Villagers tried to cope by using houses for basic medical services. Medical staff faced many difficulties, constantly moving from house to house with limited resources.
Through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen Joint Programme (ERRY JP III) funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, Dhahr Abu Tair Village was chosen as an area of focus. The programme empowers local communities, building their capacity in resilience planning, and fostering collaboration.
A community committee member shares the story of how the community united to construct the Dhahr Abu Tair health unit.
A community committee was formed in Dhahr Abu Tair Village by UNDP's local partner, the Social Fund for Development (SFD), which identified the need for a health unit, and actively pushed for its construction. This approach ensured the project directly addressed the community's most pressing concern.
By mobilizing the community and collaborating with local authorities, the health facility was finally built.
Hayat, Director of the Dhahr Abu Tair Health Unit, speaks about the community's 20-year wait for a health facility.
"Despite the hardships," says Hameed, a committee member, "everyone united to push for this unit. We knew it was vital for our families, especially the women and children."
Construction began in 2023, and both community members and health workers eagerly awaited its completion. After months of hard work, a modern, well-equipped health unit was built.
"We waited for this unit for over twenty years," says Hayat, Director of the Dhahr Abu Tair Health Unit. " We now have a proper facility to serve everyone. I can't express my happiness! We won't have to move around from house to house anymore," she adds.
Ibrahim, a nutritionist at the Dhahr Abu Tair Health Unit, reflects on the challenges faced by the community before the new facility's construction.
Today, the health unit is bustling with activity. A team of five, including a midwife, a physician's assistant, a lab technician, and support staff, tirelessly serve the community. The unit offers free services including maternal and childcare support, vaccinations, first aid, and home deliveriesfor about 4,500 people.
“Before this new unit, things were very difficult,” says Ibrahim, a nutritionist. “Moving equipment constantly wasn't ideal for providing care, especially for pregnant women. It was stressful for everyone."
Muneer, a physician assistant, notes, "We see many more patients now, especially women and children. We can offer a wider range of services, and the community feels more secure knowing they have proper healthcare nearby."
A physician's assistant at the Dhahr Abu Tair Health Unit reflects on the positive impact the facility has had on villagers' lives.
"My children and I have greatly benefited from the newly constructed health unit," says Shawqi, a resident of Dhahr Abu Tair Village. "We now have access to essential medications, nutritional supplies, and basic healthcare services."
Hameed, a community committee member, concludes, "Everyone is grateful. The well-equipped facility with wonderful staff makes a huge difference. Having proper healthcare in our village is a huge relief."
To ensure long-term sustainability, solar panels were installed as part of the programme’s renewable energy interventions. Staff also received training in maintenance, promoting environmentally-friendly solutions to enhance service delivery in rural Yemen.
Director Hayat dreams of expanding the unit with a laboratory and an emergency obstetrics room to further serve the village's needs.
Solar power ensures uninterrupted service at the Dhahr Abu Tair Health Unit, bringing vital healthcare to the community.
The construction of this health unit, along with similar projects in other rural areas, has significantly improved access to healthcare for Yemenis, particularly women and children.
Collaborative efforts by UNDP, the European Union, the Government of Sweden, and local communities has resulted in constructing and rehabilitating eleven health units, benefiting around 25,000 Yemenis and enhancing their access to vital healthcare services in six governorates across Yemen.
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