LocationsIn the small village of Nagd Karban in Al Maqatirah District, Lahj Governorate, a modest clinic is making a big difference. The clinic is run by Sumaya, a 26-year-old mother and trained healthcare provider, who is changing lives daily with her care and dedication.
Not long ago, Sumaya’s path was filled with uncertainty. Despite her educational background, she struggled to find sustainable work. She volunteered in local health facilities, hoping one day to open a clinic of her own. She was determined, but key resources were out of reach.
Thanks to support received through the ERRY III Joint Programme, Sumaya now offers a wide range of essential medical treatments. Al Maqatirah District, Lahj Governorate.
“I always dreamed of having my own clinic,” Sumaya says. “Not just to make a living, but to truly help people in my village—to ease their pain and improve their health.”
Sumaya’s dream became reality through the livelihoods component of the Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security, and Climate Adaptation Joint Programme (ERRY III)—a multi-agency initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden. Sumaya received comprehensive business training and a start-up grant, which allowed her to purchase essential medical supplies, equip a small space, and officially open the doors of her clinic.
“The support I received gave me the push I needed,” Sumaya shares. “With the grant, I bought the tools and medicines to launch my clinic. Now I have an income, I support my child, and I serve my entire community.”
Sumaya’s clinic has quickly become a crucial part of the village’s health system, offering vital services like first aid, maternal health care, medication for chronic conditions, and even simple procedures like ear piercings for children. In an area where the nearest healthcare facility is hours away, Sumaya’s clinic has become a vital community pillar.
Sumaya documents patient information during a consultation, part of her commitment to keep accurate medical records and improve healthcare services for local families. Al Maqatirah District, Lahj Governorate.
“Before, people had to travel long distances for even the smallest treatments,” Sumaya explains. “Now they come to me. I feel honored to be here for them.”
A local community member, Shujoon, confirms the clinic’s value:
“Sumaya’s clinic has been a great help to us. It provides essential and urgent healthcare services like consultations, medication, and first aid. It saves us the burden of traveling to distant clinics.”
Beyond patient care, Sumaya’s attention to quality is clear in how she organizes her pharmacy, sterilizes tools, and keeps meticulous records of every consultation.
“This clinic isn’t just my job—it’s my passion,” she says. “Every time I help someone, I feel I’m fulfilling the purpose I always dreamed of.”
Her journey hasn’t stopped at day-to-day healthcare. Sumaya has earned a diploma in ultrasound technology, and now aspires to purchase a sonogram device—something her village currently lacks entirely.
“There’s no ultrasound machine in this whole area. Women have to travel far, sometimes in pain or late in pregnancy,” she explains. “I studied and trained for this. Now, I just need the equipment to bring this service to my community.”
Sumaya’s long-term vision includes opening a small diagnostic lab and expanding her pharmaceutical stock to include more treatments, but the high cost of medical supplies remains a barrier.
“I do everything I can with what I have. Prices are high, but I’m not giving up. My community deserves access to better care.”
Sumaya checks a young patient, providing much-needed medical attention to children in her community. Al Maqatirah District, Lahj Governorate
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, and the World Food Programme, along with national partners, the ERRY III Joint Programme helps crisis-affected communities build resilience by creating sustainable livelihoods, empowering women, and improving access to essential services.
Close to World Health Day 2025, we celebrate Sumaya—and thousands of inspiring women across Yemen—who are not only following their career aspirations, but also shaping healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.
