UN Warns: Health, Education Systems in Yemen on Brink of Collapse
Local Editor
The Head of Operations for the United Nations [UN] Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, John Ging, warned on Thursday that the health and education systems in Yemen are on the brink of collapse.
Warning that "humanitarian agencies cannot be a substitute for [Yemen’s] basic services", Ging wrapped up a three-day visit to the country, stressing that its health and education systems in the country are on the brink of collapse and stressed that "peace is the only solution to prevent a humanitarian disaster".
"Eight months of conflict have had a devastating effect on all aspects of life in Yemen, with the health and education sectors the hardest hit", Ging said in a news release.
"A sharp reduction in imports and a ban on exports have reduced public and commercial revenues, resulting in collapsing services and livelihoods", he said.
"Ministries are running out of money for supplies and salaries for health workers and teachers, and there are widespread shortages of medicines to treat chronic illnesses", Ging said, adding that, "MSF [Médecins Sans Frontières] is warning of a catastrophic situation for dialysis patients in particular".
A Saudi-led coalition backed by the United States has been carrying out a military aggression on Yemen by launching airstrikes against the country since March 26. The airstrikes have not been authorized by the UN.
OCHA meanwhile reported that UN and its humanitarian partners are doing their utmost to deliver aid despite the challenging environment.
Ging stressed the need for all parties of the conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law, saying that it is ‘unacceptable to prevent aid deliveries or to steal humanitarian supplies.’
