Clean Water for Families in Yemen

Yemen remains the world's worst humanitiarian crisis. More than 5 years of conflict have left 80 per cent of the population, roughly 24 million people, in need of humanitarian aid. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly through the country and is exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

Conflict affected populations in Yemen have been dealing with food insecurity and ongoing cholera outbreaks for years, leaving them particularly vulnerable to the spread of communicable diseases like COVID-19. That is compounded by the fact that damage to infrastructure because of conflict has left the country's health care system weakened.

It is vital that people continue to receive support in the health, water and sanitation sectors during the pandemic to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible.

GlobalMedic has been continuing to distribute Family Emergency Kits in Yemen. Each kit contains a water purification solution. This is a key tool for families to ensure they have consistent access to safe, clean drinking water and are protected from contracting water-borne diseases. 

The FEKs also contain a essential hygiene items like soap. Proper and frequent hand washing is one of the easiest and most important ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and access to soap will allow families to take that step in protecting their health. 

Finally, the kits contain a solar light to give families access to a consistent light source, as well as oral rehydration salts to treat dehydration. 

Over the past month, we distributed Family Emergency Kits at a hospital to patients who are receiving kidney dialysis. These patients are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and the FEKs will help them continue to protect their health.