Abs Rural Hospital – Abs District, Hajjah Governorate: With over 50 per cent of healthcare facilities not functioning due to ongoing conflict in Yemen, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works to restore healthcare among other basic services for affected communities. The renovation and equipment of Abs Hospital’s Reproductive Health Center is one remarkable example of alleviating the suffering of vulnerable communities in Hajjah governorate.

Serving as the only hospital for several war-affected districts, Abs’ Reproductive Health Center was severely damaged by armed clashes. Due to its important services, the building remained in service despite its broken windows, damaged doors, and a disabled sewage system.

“We lost a lot of medical equipment and furniture in the damage which greatly impacted our services,” said Mr. Othman Salah, the hospital’s Managing Director. “The renovation came at the most needed time as the Abs district is now overpopulated with internally displaced people from other war-affected districts like Haradh, Meddi and Saada. This has resulted in an increased operation – we are currently delivering children at the very high rate of 20 – 22 deliveries every day,” he added.

The renovation undertaken by the Social Fund for Development (SFD) was a high priority for the community as the hospital’s infrastructure was not at all up to operational standards. “The rehabilitation targeted the entire Reproductive Health Center. It involved four stages: renovation and maintenance of the building; furnishing; provision of medical equipment; and, the installation of a solar system to power the facility,” said Dr. Abdulnaser Al-Aqil, the local Health Officer for SFD.

The much-needed facility renovation included all the broken windows and doors, cracked walls, painting, electrical rewiring, damaged floor tiles, and the overflowing sewage system. Ms. Manaji Ghaleb, the Reproductive Health Officer at the Center, elaborated on the positive impact of the renovation on both the staff and visitors saying “We used to work in miserable conditions and we felt very depressed. But now, after the renovation, I feel very happy and confident and those who visit the center feel the same.”

The European Union funded the intervention with USD $65,000 for the renovation and equipment, creating 550 workdays that supported vulnerable communities in the area.

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The Social Protection for Community Resilience Project (SPCRP) is funded and supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and The Social Fund for Development (SFD). The USD$28 million SPCRP enhances the purchasing capacity of vulnerable communities while restoring community infrastructure and improving access to and delivery of key services through short-term employment, provision of solar energy equipment, rehabilitating healthcare facilities, and building the capacities of communities and local authorities.

Rehabilitating Abs District health center brings back hope to war affected Abbs District, Hajjah Governorate