MSF has ongoing projects in 13 governates in Yemen. We have implemented measures to keep staff and patients safe and to ensure the continuation of lifesaving hospital care in all projects, as well as helped other hospitals prepare to receive COVID-19 cases.
In Aden, MSF has been running two COVID-19 treatment centres, at Al Amal and Al Gumhoriah hospitals, in support of the local health authorities. With the continuing reduction in patient admissions to these two facilities, we have decided to combine these activities into a single treatment centre based in Al Gamhuriah hospital.
In Sana’a governate in central Yemen, MSF is supporting care for COVID-19 patients who are severely ill, in a 15-bed intensive care unit and large inpatient department in al-Kuwait Hospital, and in a 20-bed inpatient care unit and six-bed intensive care unit in Sheikh Zayyed Hospital. We continue to provide staff with training for screening set-up, triage and infection prevention and control, as well as donate hygiene and cleaning supplies, medicines and oxygen.
In Hajjah Governorate, MSF has contributed to preparation in Abs and Al Gumhouri hospitals. In Abs Hospital we have created an 11-bed isolation unit. In Al Gumhouri hospital we have set up a 30-bed triage area and are supporting an isolation centre. Screening points have been established at patient entry in both locations.
In Ibb governorate, we supported local authorities to build the Al Sahul COVID-19 treatment centre, which began receiving patients on 13 June. MSF conducted a five-day training course for 234 medical and non-medical staff in the facility. We are assisting with technical support, triage and screening set- up, facility management and infection prevention and control.