Dhamar is a city located in the North of Yemen, with a population of 371,034 people. It has experienced a significant increase of displaced people from its surrounding areas since the start of the conflict in 2015, due to the city’s relative safety and stability, which placed a serious strain on the local services and resources. There are currently an estimated number of 48,486 IDPs in Dhamar city who are in serious need of basic services such as clean water, food, health facilities, and education.
In order to identify and determine the needs in Dhamar governorate, ACTED, jointly with CARE, conducted an initial rehabilitation and equipment assessment of Dhamar General Hospital, and a technical assessment for three water points in Dhamar district in June 2020.
Through the EuropeAid-funded project ACTED works to deliver long-term, sustainable benefits to target communities.
Conducting assessments to improve access to basic services
After official approval from the Supreme Council for the Administration & Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (SCMCHA), a third technical assessment was conducted in December 2020. A total of nine assessment tools were used to assess the needs in the following sectors: livestock; beekeeping; water-sanitation and hygie; health and nutrition; income generation and small business; protection; information, counseling and legal assistance ; and Civil Society Organizations’ support. Those assessments also enabled to understand the main reasons behind the 50% increase of patients requiring critical medical services. There was a significant influx of displaced people in Dhamar city, placing a serious strain on local services and resources.
Providing access to water sanitation and hygiene in Dhamar General Hospital
Dhamar General Hospital is one of the main governmental hospitals in Dhamar governorate where people can access healthcare services. In this facility, both the host community and IDPs can have access to healthcare services by paying a minimal fee. The essential WASH rehabilitation works that ACTED implemented will enhance the water’s availability and quality inside the hospital.
The construction of the elevated tank in Dhamar General Hospital started in March 2021 and ended in July 2021.
In total, around 55,620 patients per month and 681,050 patients per year can benefit from this installation.
ACTED further plans to continue its WASH interventions in Dhamar General Hospital through constructing a well of 250 meter in width. In addition, ACTED is planning to construct a two-floors outpatient building within Dhamar general Hospital to increase its current capacity and welcome more patients. Soil tests have already started in April 2021.