24 February 2025 – In December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) held in a three-day workshop in Aden to strengthen Yemen’s notification and information-sharing capacities for acute public health events in Yemen. Against the backdrop of Yemen’s protracted conflict and fragile health system, the event marked a pivotal step in bolstering the country’s ability to respond to public health emergencies.

"This workshop is a turning point for Yemen's health security,” said Dr Abdullah Dahan the vice minister, at the opening of the workshop.

Implementing the International Health Regulations

The International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 provide a legally binding framework to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks that cross borders and threaten populations globally. Effective implementation of IHR requires multisectoral collaboration, robust partnerships and the active participation of government bodies and stakeholders.

Yemen faces substantial obstacles to IHR implementation due to the ongoing conflict. The country’s health infrastructure has been severely damaged, millions have been displaced and recurrent outbreaks of communicable diseases, such as cholera and dengue, continue to strain limited resources.

To address these challenges, WHO has been undertaking activities to enhance IHR capacities in the country, with a focus on verifying signals, monitoring outbreaks of diseases such as measles and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), and facilitating bilateral discussions among IHR national focal points.

A workshop to build capacities

The workshop brought together 35 participants, including IHR national focal points, senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Population, and surveillance and points of entry staff. Key stakeholders from other sectors, such as animal health, the environment, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Committee for Atomic Energy, were also represented.

The workshop involved a blend of presentations and interactive sessions, allowing participants to share their experiences and insights.

The programme of the workshop included:

an overview of the IHR 2005, with a focus on early warning and response;

Yemen’s progress in implementing the IHR, including achievements and persistent challenges;

practical sessions on IHR communication and collaboration, including through WHO’s Event Information Site and Disease Outbreak News;

tabletop exercises simulating real-life scenarios, such as a cholera outbreak in an emergency setting, to practice risk assessment and rapid response; and

an introduction to using risk analysis tools, such as an initial risk assessment algorithm and rapid risk assessment frameworks, in various scenarios, including dengue and chemical events.

Drafting Yemen’s first SOP for IHR communication

The workshop culminated in a session in which participants collaborated to develop an IHR coordination and communication mechanism tailored to Yemen’s specific needs. This included defining the roles and responsibilities of IHR national focal points, technical teams and other stakeholders, and outlining protocols to enhance the efficiency of the information flow.

A key outcome was the drafting of Yemen’s first standard operating procedure (SOP) for IHR communication, a critical document for strengthening Yemen’s health security.

Ongoing commitment and collaboration

With the new SOP in place, Yemen is now better equipped to address public health risks and respond to emergencies effectively. WHO remains committed to supporting Yemen in overcoming systemic barriers to IHR implementation.

Future efforts will focus on further capacity-building, institutionalizing multisectoral frameworks and ensuring the country is prepared to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies, while minimizing disruptions to international trade and travel.

A call to action: Join WHO in strengthening health security

This workshop was not just a milestone for Yemen but was also a testament to the power of collaboration in protecting global health. WHO calls upon governments, partners and stakeholders to join us in this mission and ensure that no outbreak goes unnoticed or unaddressed. Together, we can build a safer, healthier future for all.