News – Yemen The Ministry of Public Health and Population, together with the Republican Hospital Authority in Sa’adah, held a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the United Nations’ withdrawal from rehabilitation projects at the Republican Hospital.

Dr. Anis Al-Asbahi, spokesperson for the Ministry, said that projects previously supported by UNICEF had been halted, leaving key departments such as dialysis, orthopedics, radiology, and internal medicine nearly out of service. He noted that unfinished demolition works and the relocation of medicine warehouses have also put vital supplies at risk of spoilage.

The Ministry confirmed it is engaging with UN offices through the Prime Minister’s Office to address the consequences of the sudden withdrawal, holding the organization responsible for what it described as a politicization of humanitarian work. Al-Asbahi said the measures amount to collective punishment of the Yemeni people and urged the UN to reconsider its position.

Dr. Ismail Al-Warfi, Chairman of the Republican Hospital Authority, stated that the suspension of projects has already led to fatalities, particularly among children, after the collapse of neonatal services. He added that the maternity ward now functions at only 10 percent of its capacity, while other life-saving departments remain closed.

Yemen’s health sector has been devastated by years of aggression, blockade, and economic collapse, with international aid projects serving as a lifeline for hospitals struggling to provide even the most basic services. The halt of UN-backed rehabilitation in Sa’adah has deepened fears of further deterioration in medical care, particularly for children, mothers, and patients requiring dialysis or emergency treatment.

Officials in Sana’a argue that the suspension of projects reflects political pressure tied to Yemen’s position in support of Gaza. Since October 2023, the war on Gaza has left tens of thousands dead and triggered widespread famine, a crisis Yemeni authorities say compels them to continue both humanitarian and military efforts in solidarity with the Palestinian people.