The Yemeni government has received Saudi medical assistance worth $3.5 million from King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Work (KSRelief), including medications and supplies to help the country face the coronavirus pandemic.

Minister of Public Health and Population Nasser Baaum said the Center will send the rapid examination devices to facilitate the work of medical teams in ports and quarantine centers.

He pointed out that the supplies also included various equipment and sanitization to meet the needs of the Ministry and its teams amid the pandemic.

Baaum called upon international organizations, namely the World Health Organization (WHO), to help the legitimate government, noting that all maritime and land ports were within the liberated areas.

The Minister thanked Saudi Arabia for its generous support for the Yemeni government and people, appreciating the efforts of the Center in various relief and development fields.

Meanwhile, official sources reported that Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik discussed over the phone with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus strengthening the capacity of the Yemeni government to detect, diagnose, trace, and implement COVID-19 preventive measures in coordination with KSRelief.

The two parties addressed the needed support to set up quarantines and ensure steady flow of medical supplies, according to Saba news agency.

The Prime Minister briefed WHO director on the precautionary measures taken by the government to face this pandemic, including suspension of flights, closure of all land and marine ports except for trade and relief aid, tightening safety measures, and suspension of schools.

He stressed that these measures are proactive because no confirmed Coronavirus cases have been recorded in Yemen so far.

Abdulmalik said he hoped WHO will continue to lead international efforts to overcome this crisis, highlighting the needs and requirements of the health sector in Yemen in light of the plans prepared to face the virus spread.

The organization helps Yemen in providing the necessary support, according to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister valued support of the WHO over the past years, calling for intensifying efforts to enhance the health sector which has been exhausted by the Houthi coup against the legitimate government.