The Yemeni internationally-recognized government held the Southern Transitional Council (STC) responsible for the deteriorating health condition in Aden, where new coronavirus cases were detected.
“The government, represented by the Ministry of Health, is exerting serious efforts to implement a plan to tackle the coronavirus pandemic,” Health Ministry Deputy Abdulrakeeb al-Haidari told Asharq Al-Awsat, blaming the STC for impeding those efforts in areas under its control.
Haidari noted that even though the ministry of health launched counter-virus measures, the situation demands multiplying social and public efforts. Aden has suffered from other virus outbreaks, such as cholera, in the last few years.
Haidari indicated that the Yemeni government is working to keep health efforts away from political conflict, and that it supports local authorities and health offices in liberated governorates.
The Yemeni government has been helping local authorities to fix infrastructure and water networks and to mount sterilization campaigns. Haidari noted that, in Marib, these concerted efforts are taking place responsibly.
Meanwhile, in Aden, health efforts are stumbling on STC recklessness.
Despite challenges, the Yemeni government earmarked a modest budget to provide medical equipment and medicine to Yemenis facing the coronavirus pandemic. At least 27 centers were allocated across liberated governorates for quarantine.
As for reports on Aden hospitals refraining from receiving emergency and medical cases, and doctors refusing to perform their duties, Haidari stressed that the Ministry of Health dealt with reports and formed a committee to investigate and hold accountable those who failed in dealing with patients.
Haidari warned that the health situation in Yemen is disturbing, adding that Houthi coup militias misdealing with the pandemic is making matters worse.
“The militias in Sanaa deal with the reported cases with brutality and repression, which left many cases unable to disclose their health status,” Haidari added.
