As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to support the health sector in the sisterly Republic of Yemen, the Emergency Cholera Response Project continued to provide its intensive medical and preventative services, achieving record numbers of beneficiaries in a short period. This project is supported and funded directly by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center , the Kingdom’s humanitarian arm abroad.
Statistics and figures reflect the scale of the achievement
Recent field reports revealed that the project successfully provided treatment and preventative services to 10,353 individuals between January 21 and 27. These services were strategically distributed to cover vital locations and key access points, reflecting meticulous planning to contain the epidemic and prevent its spread.
Efforts were focused on vital locations including Al-Rayyan and Seiyun airports, as well as key land border crossings such as Al-Wadi'ah, Al-Hafiyah, and Razih. The measures included thorough screening and testing of arriving and departing passengers, resulting in only one suspected case, demonstrating the effectiveness of the monitoring and surveillance systems.
Awareness is the first line of defense
Believing that prevention is better than cure, the project did not limit itself to treatment alone, but also placed great emphasis on health awareness and education. A total of 223 awareness sessions , benefiting approximately 4,510 individuals. These sessions aimed to raise community awareness about the causes of cholera, its transmission methods, and the importance of personal hygiene and water purification—essential steps to break the chain of infection in local communities.
Context of the crisis and the importance of Saudi intervention
Yemen has suffered for years from severe health challenges due to the damage to its water and sanitation infrastructure, making the country a breeding ground for waterborne diseases such as cholera. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center's intervention at this time provides a lifeline to the Yemeni health system, as the project works to bridge gaps in medical supplies and operational capacity.
These efforts are of paramount strategic importance, not only at the local level, but also at the regional level; combating the epidemic at points of entry and exit (airports and ports) contributes to preventing the transmission of infection across borders, and protects neighboring communities, thus enhancing regional health security.
Comprehensive logistical and medical support
To ensure the sustainability of services, the project ensured that health facilities and central laboratories were provided with all necessary resources. This support included:
- Sufficient stock of intravenous and oral rehydration solutions to treat dehydration.
- Antibiotics are necessary for advanced cases.
- Sterilization materials and personal protective equipment for medical staff.
- Expanding the bed capacity in isolation centers to accommodate any potential increase in cases.
This project embodies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to stand by the Yemeni people and alleviate their humanitarian suffering through integrated health programs aimed at eradicating epidemics and improving the quality of life.
