Sana'a: A meeting held on Tuesday in Sana'a brought together Minister of Health and Environment Dr. Ali Shiban and Deputy Minister of Electricity, Energy and Water Adel Badr to discuss aspects of cooperation and coordination between the two ministries in the sectors of health, water, and electricity.
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting was attended by MPs Ali al-Kaboodi and Mohammed Suwar, Electricity Sector Undersecretary at the Ministry of Electricity and Water Eng. Ahmed Al-Mutawakkil, and Head of 26 September Hospital Authority Dr. Abdulnasser Al-Dhari. The discussions focused on preparedness plans to confront diseases and epidemics, particularly in light of the withdrawal of international organizations and their suspension of support for environmental sanitation and epidemic control activities, as well as the prevailing summer season.
Participants at the meeting reviewed alternative self-financing options to implement necessary interventions. They also examined the progress of studies related to supplying hospitals and health facilities with solar energy systems. Among the attendees were Water Sector Maintenance Director at the Ministry of Electricity Zaid Al-Kahlani, Emergency Water and Environmental Sanitation Unit Director Abdulkarim Al-Akhram, and the branch of the Water Corporation in Matnah, Fouad Al-Madani.
Efforts were also made to review mechanisms to support hospitals and health facilities by providing them with water and energy services to ensure the continuity of medical services. Discussions included addressing sewage issues at 22 May Hospital in Dulaa - Hamdan, and the water supply needs of 26 September Hospital in Matnah.
During the meeting, Dr. Ali Shiban emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Electricity and Water to improve health, electricity, environmental, and water services, ensuring their provision to citizens. He highlighted that the stability of water and electricity supplies is a fundamental pillar for the functioning of the health sector and for confronting diseases and epidemics, especially given the current challenges stemming from aggression and blockades.
Deputy Minister Adel Badr expressed the ministry's readiness to provide necessary facilitation and overcome technical and engineering challenges to ensure the delivery of services to health facilities across various governorates. He affirmed that supporting the health sector is among the ministry's priorities, noting the leadership's commitment to addressing the needs of hospitals and health facilities within the framework of integration and partnership between relevant government entities.