HI builds a rehabilitation unit in Sanaa, Yemen

Yemen has been torn apart by 5 years of conflict. Half of the medical infrastructures are not able to operate. Before the conflict, rehabilitation services were already deeply insufficient. Now, these needs have skyrocketed.

HI has built and kitted out this rehabilitation unit with specialist equipment, to enable patients of Al-Kuwait hospital to receive the high-quality medical support they need before being discharged. The rehabilitation unit will be run by one physiotherapist and three assistants trained by HI.

300 patients a month

300 patients are expected to benefit from the new facility each month.  This will include inpatients from every hospital department such as orthopaedic, neurological and surgical departments as well as outpatients 

Who will benefit from the new rehabilitation unit?

The injuries of the patients who will be treated at this unit will vary from injuries caused by road traffic accidents to those related to conflict, such as from airstrikes or explosive devices. Patients may also receive rehabilitation support if they experience chronic diseases or disabilities from birth or old age. Different NGOS will refer patients to HI’s unit if they are on a list to receive prostheses or orthoses.

Why is the rehabilitation unit so vital?

Al Kuwait hospital is the third biggest public hospital in the capital with a capacity of around 300 beds. Patients who are admitted to this hospital travel from different governorates within an average radius of 200 km. 

An overview of HI’s rehabilitation work in Yemen

• HI’s team operate in 9 health facilities across Sanaa, Aden and Mokha and has supported 30,000 beneficiaries since its operations started in late 2015.
• 34,000 mobility aids have been distributed since 2015. This includes equipment such as crutches, wheelchairs, walking sticks/canes, walkers…
• Almost 500 people have been provided with orthoses or prostheses
• HI have helped train almost 900 medical professionals

Adapting activities to the Covid-19 pandemic

HI has adapted its activities to in Yemen in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, for example:

• HI hasprovided staff and patients with hygiene kits and personal protective equipment.

• The team has also  worked to set up information sessions for the most vulnerable populations to highlightthe risks and raiseawareness of the pandemic.

• A telephone line has been set up to allow staff to continue monitoring patients and their families remotely.
• HI has followed more than 200 patients with Covid, identifying their needs,and referring them to the appropriate services.