Upgrading the veterinary center in Al-Mahra: Saudi support for food security in Yemen
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center announced the completion of the rehabilitation project for the veterinary center building in Qishn District, Al Mahrah Governorate, Yemen. This vital project is part of a broader initiative to support sustainable agriculture and agricultural and fisheries empowerment, aiming to enhance the resilience of local communities in the face of the economic and humanitarian challenges facing the Republic of Yemen.
General context and humanitarian efforts in Yemen
Since the outbreak of the crisis in Yemen, infrastructure across various sectors, including agriculture and livestock, has suffered significant deterioration. This situation has directly impacted food security and the livelihoods of millions of Yemenis who depend on agriculture and livestock as their primary source of income. In this context, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre was established in 2015 as the humanitarian arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It implements hundreds of projects in vital sectors such as food, health, education, water, sanitation, and livelihoods, with the aim of alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people and contributing to the restoration of essential services.
Project details and its strategic importance
The rehabilitation work at the Qishn Center included a comprehensive restoration of the building, the construction of an additional laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and the furnishing and equipping of the operating room and other facilities. A perimeter wall was also built around the center, along with a main gate to ensure the security of its facilities. This intervention aims to improve the efficiency of veterinary services provided to livestock breeders in the region, directly contributing to the development of livestock, which is a major economic driver and a vital source of livelihood for thousands of families in Al Mahrah Governorate.
Expected impact at the local and regional levels
At the local level, improved veterinary care is expected to reduce the spread of livestock diseases and increase productivity, thereby enhancing food security and the economic well-being of dependent households. More broadly, such sustainable development projects contribute to building communities' resilience and reducing their reliance on emergency aid, thus supporting long-term stability. This project is part of a broader rehabilitation process encompassing four veterinary centers in the governorates of Hadramawt, Al Mahrah, and Shabwah, reflecting a strategic approach to supporting this vital sector across multiple regions.
In this regard, Dr. Hamed Al-Hamed, Director of Animal Health and Veterinary Quarantine in Al-Mahra Governorate, praised the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in supporting the agricultural and livestock sectors. He emphasized the project's importance in protecting and developing livestock and providing high-quality animal health services to beneficiaries. This support comes within the framework of humanitarian and development projects provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, to improve living conditions and provide essential services in various Yemeni governorates.
