Breathing Life into Yemen: A Need for Oxygen Amidst Crisis

Due to the crisis in Yemen, the power shortage in the health sector caused disruptions in oxygen production, a lifesaving essential medicine with no substitution for several illnesses.

Despite being an essential medicine, hospitals and clinics in Yemen are experiencing a medical oxygen crisis after the COVID-19 pandemic, with intensive care units running out of oxygen cylinders.

KSrelief’s vital role: Transforming health care in Yemen with five Oxygen Stations

KSrelief and WHO collaborated to address the urgent need for medical oxygen supply in Yemen’s health facilities, by installing five oxygen stations in major hospitals across Yemen’s Abyan, Ma’rib, Hadramawt, Shabwah, and Al Maharah governorates.

The project has delivered the lifesaving supply to 235,943 beneficiaries, 85,454 of whom received life-saving oxygen therapy; ensuring the availability of oxygen supply in health facilities across Yemen, and enhancing the preparedness and quality of the healthcare sector.

Making a Meaningful Impact through On-the-Job Training at the Oxygen Stations

The life-saving oxygen stations project involves a series of necessary activities, including providing electric generators, procuring, and installing oxygen plants, and training 21 skilled technical workers and others.

After a comprehensive inspection by Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population engineers, the installed oxygen stations were officially handed over to the hospitals. These stations are operating and have become key medical oxygen production in Yemen.

A significant aspect of the project involved conducting a three-day on-the-job training program for technical workers from the five hospitals.

We learned the process of extracting oxygen from natural sources and gained expertise in filtration and purification techniques required to fill cylinders with pure oxygen... The joy is immeasurable when witnessing a patient’s recovery.

Ahmed Ali, Maintenance Technician.

Before the establishment of the Oxygen station, obtaining oxygen was a constant struggle, relying on donated cylinders. Now, with the Station in operation, we are not only self-sufficient but can also provide oxygen to others. Grateful for the Oxygen Station ... Witnessing a patient’s recovery and improvement is an indescribable joy.

Abdullah Khalid Shallal, Dentist.

A breath of Fresh Air for all in Yemen: KSrelief’s ensuring uninterrupted oxygen supply

“This hospital has a remarkable impact on the community. The Tarim District has witnessed a significant improvement in healthcare access due to the installation of a cutting-edge oxygen station at the hospital. People can now easily access the oxygen supply they need,” says Dr. Mohyeldin Al-Zubaidi, a General Practitioner at Tarim Hospital.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for the hospital and its staff, particularly with the absence of essential interventions like oxygen- related treatments. This led to patient transfers, causing distress for families and escorts.

“Asthma appears to run in my family,” Al-Akhdar Hadi, a 30-year-old asthma patient from Alghariqa Village in Bahyan District. He describes the intense breathlessness he and his mother experience when exposed to dust or smoke, “Asthma is a relentless adversary for my family. My mom and I need a supply now and then, especially during dusty weather, which we sometimes could not find.”

A transformative chapter began with the implementation of the Oxygen Station in the area, “I’m glad that we will finally be able to find the oxygen when needed the most. I feel more secure for myself and my family,” concluded Al- Akhdar.