Sana’a, Sept. 23 – Recent clashes between Al Houthi militants and elements of the Yemeni army intensified inside Sana'a from 18th September. An agreement was signed on 21st September to stop the fighting, but the situation is still difficult at health facilities that have been receiving large numbers of wounded. MSF has responded to the increasing needs of public and private hospitals in Sana'a due to the recent conflict and has made medical donations to three hospitals in Sana'a, as well as to the Yemeni Red Crescent.

Donations were made to Al-Kuwait public hospital, Al-Moayad private hospital and Dhula Hospital, and included dressing kits for over 350 patients, as well as medications, anaesthesia drugs and other materials.

"Although our main medical activities are in other governorates in Yemen, the situation in Sana'a necessitated urgent support for the hospitals receiving wounded," says Marie-Elisabeth Ingres, MSF Country Representative in Yemen. "We are still in continuous coordination with the hospitals and the Ministry of Health and will consider their additional needs according to our capacities."

She added: “Regardless of the level of violence, medical action and health facilities should be respected and should maintain neutrality and impartiality in order for doctors and patients to be in a safe environment.”

If the situation requires more medical support, MSF will work to increase its capacity to respond through the preparation of more emergency stock and emergency staff. MSF is also looking into the possibilities of reinforcing the capacity of some referral hospitals in Sana'a to respond to mass casualties through training.

MSF has been working in Yemen since 1986 and continuously since 2007. MSF does not accept funding from any government for its work in Yemen; it relies solely on private donations. MSF provides medical and surgical care in Sana’a, Amran, Al-Dhale’, Aden and Abyan governorates.