The Role of UNICEF's Intervention Programs in Improving Polio Coverage During the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen

Hanan Saleh,Lucy Sebli-Seidelson

doi:10.6007/ijarbss/v11-i2/8403

Abstract

The poor humanitarian situation in Yemen resulted from many factors such as political instability, multiple localized conflicts and chronic underdevelopment. However, when the armed conflict started in March 2015 the whole country started experiencing a great shortage of vaccines which risks the lives of millions of children from infectious diseases such as polio. Therefore, fighting against polio was one of UNICEF’s battles in the country. This research aims to provide an assessment regarding the major interventions that UNICEF uses to deliver immunization services including polio vaccines to children during the current humanitarian crisis in the country. The analysis of the results showed that UNICEF’s support has a positive impact on children in Yemen. The coverage rate continues to improve slowly despite the challenges faced during the humanitarian crisis. Recommendations to resolve these challenges and to improve the current immunization interventions in the future were proposed.

Highlights

The five years of armed conflict have caused a devastating impact on all fundamental facilities and systems on which the Yemenis have depended upon
The health workforce became demotivated to continue working as they stopped receiving their salaries since the outbreak of the conflict, while at the same time, risking their lives every time they went to work
To improve the national immunization program, the de facto government in the northern parts of the country and the internationally recognized government in the southern parts need to improve the health services in the areas under their authority. They need to cooperate with the aid agencies such as United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and establish a clear regulation guide that facilitates the international non-governmental organizations (INGOs)' work without much delay

Summary

Introduction

The five years of armed conflict have caused a devastating impact on all fundamental facilities and systems on which the Yemenis have depended upon. The use of landmines and the recruitment of children in hostile battles forced millions of people to be displaced from their houses which made the humanitarian situation extremely fragile in the country. The fuel is essential to maintain the continuity of the water supply, so the lack of fuel prevented water from being delivered. The limitations on import fuel combined with the damaged water pumping system and sewage treatment facilities have disrupted the water supply in Yemen (OCHA, 2017). This further forces people to use untreated water sources or unprotected wells which put them at risk of life-threatening illnesses such as cholera and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion