As the first case of coronavirus is confirmed in Yemen, Muhsin Siddiquey, Oxfam Country Director in Yemen said:
“The first confirmed case of coronavirus in Yemen is a devastating blow in a country that is ill-equipped after five years of brutal conflict to contain its spread.
Over 17 million people have no access to clean water. For millions of Yemenis who are living in crowded camps and shelters, social distancing and frequent handwashing are extremely difficult.
Only half of Yemen’s health centres are functioning, and there are widespread shortages of medicine, equipment and medical staff.
The spread of coronavirus just as aid to parts of the country is reduced could be catastrophic for millions of people already living on the brink.
"The ceasefire must be urgently agreed by all parties to allow full, safe humanitarian access to ensure Yemeni families have the best chance to contain the virus."
Notes to editors
Oxfam is responding to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic in Yemen by ramping up public health promotion and awareness-raising initiatives as well as through the distribution of hygiene kits throughout the country. Our team is responding by training community health volunteers to raise awareness of the virus and help prevent the spread of the pandemic.
USAID has already announced a suspension in aid assistance to the North of Yemen.
Contact information
Nesrine Aly: Mobile: +44 7503989838, Skype: nesrinekhaled, Email: nesrine.aly@oxfam.org
For updates, please follow @Oxfam.
Oxfam is responding to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic in Yemen by ramping up public health promotion and awareness-raising initiatives as well as through the distribution of hygiene kits throughout the country. Our team is responding by training community health volunteers to raise awareness of the virus and help prevent the spread of the pandemic.
USAID has already announced a suspension in aid assistance to the North of Yemen.
Nesrine Aly: Mobile: +44 7503989838, Skype: nesrinekhaled, Email: nesrine.aly@oxfam.org
For updates, please follow @Oxfam.