Aden/Amsterdam, 15 February 2014 - After some weeks of reduced activities, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has decided to temporarily suspend its support to the Al Nasser General Hospital in Ad Dhale, Yemen, along with basic healthcare activities in nearby villages, due to an increase in insecurity.
Following numerous discussions with local actors, MSF remains unable to provide quality medical care for its patients while ensuring the safety and security of its staff. The hospital and immediate vicinity have seen an increase in heavy clashes, making access to healthcare for the population extremely difficult.
“We have reached a point where we really need substantial commitments from the authorities and armed groups to ensure that the hospital and the surrounding areas remain safe for patients and medical personnel of both MSF and the Ministry of Health,” said Lauren Cooney, Operations Manager responsible for Yemen.
MSF has been providing primary health care, lifesaving emergency care and surgical referrals in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Ad Dhale since 2012. In 2013, MSF conducted more than 40,000 consultations in Ad Dhale.
MSF remains committed to working with the Ministry of Health and the community of Ad Dhale and the surrounding villages, and advocates for the respect and protection of health facilities, medical personnel and patients in order to resume its activities as quickly as possible.
MSF has been working in Yemen since 1986 and continuously since 2007. In addition to the governorates of Aden, Abyan and Al-Baydha, the organisation conducts surgical and medical activities in the governorates of Amran and Hajjah in the north of the country. In Yemen, MSF does not accept funding from any government and chooses to rely solely on private donations.