Press Release

International Medical Corps Delivering Critical Emergency Relief in Yemen Following Escalation in Violence

Update

April 8, 2015

Heavy violence and chaos continue in Yemen as foreign-led airstrikes target rebel groups. The World Health Organization reports that within the last two weeks, 549 people were killed and 1,707 were injured due to the violence. The Yemen Freedom House also reports the airstrikes have destroyed nearly 1,000 homes. Delivering humanitarian aid supplies in the country remains very dangerous and difficult. Several trucks transporting food aid were hit by airstrikes on the way to Sana’a, the capital city. The primary humanitarian concern continues to be mass casualty management, along with critical shortages of fuel and water at secondary and emergency hospitals, and food and electricity shortages.

International Medical Corps is providing emergency drugs and medical consumables (dressings, analgesics, antibiotics) to hospitals in Sana’a to treat conflict-related injuries. International Medical-supported hospitals report receiving an influx of patients with injuries related to the violence. In addition, our team provided an ambulance to transport patients with complicated medical cases to hospitals in Sana’a city. Our team continues to operate mobile medical units providing emergency medical services in Taiz, Aden and Lahj. International Medical Corps will begin training of water, sanitation and hygiene staff and local partner staff on proper standards in Taiz.

 

April 6, 2015

As the conflict in Yemen escalates, with a significant surge in violence over the last week, more than 100,000 people are estimated to be displaced having fled their homes for safety. As of April 5th, nearly 550 people are reported dead and nearly 1,700 injured due to the conflict. In response, International Medical Corps’ team in Yemen has conducted rapid assessments in hospitals in Taiz City where many casualties are receiving emergency medical treatment. The team has delivered critical medical supplies and medicines to hospitals in Sana’a and Aden and is procuring supplies locally to deliver to hospitals and health facilities in conflict-affected areas.

“International Medical Corps’ team in Yemen is reporting shortages of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies and the urgent need for additional humanitarian resources. Existing systems for mass casualty management and meeting the basic health needs of the population are under extreme pressure and are overstretched,” said Chris Skopec, Senior Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response, International Medical Corps. “Having operated in Yemen since 2012, we are working to deliver a comprehensive emergency response, including providing emergency health services, delivering vital supplies and meeting the immediate needs of those affected by this crisis.”

International Medical Corps is mobilizing to distribute existing stockpiles of medical supplies and food to meet basic nutritional needs and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to vulnerable communities. In addition, the organization is continuing to operate mobile medical teams where possible to provide health and nutrition consultations.

International Medical Corps’ work in the Middle East region began in 2003 following the start of the Iraq war. Today the organization’s humanitarian programs include rapid emergency response, health systems strengthening and service provision, mental health and psychosocial assistance, maternal and child health, protection, women’s empowerment, community development and water, sanitation and hygiene. A wide network of long-standing relationships with local partners and government ministries is a key feature of International Medical Corps’ strong work in the region and has contributed to the organization’s role as a preeminent First Responder in Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Turkey and Yemen.

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