WHO and KSrelief conclude a major WASH project to strengthen health facilities across Yemen

08 July 2026, Aden, Yemen – The World Health Organization (WHO), with generous fund from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has successfully completed a major water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project to strengthen safe water access for vulnerable populations across Yemen.

The reception area of the emergency department is renovated to provide a welcoming, organized, and efficient space for patient registration and assistance.The reception area of the emergency department is renovated to provide a welcoming, organized, and efficient space for patient registration and assistance.

Implemented across 15 governorates, the project enhanced WASH services in Hospitals serving communities affected by displacement, disease outbreaks and chronic water shortages. The intervention contributed to safer health care delivery, stronger infection prevention and control measures and improved environmental health conditions in some of Yemen’s most vulnerable areas.

Over the course of the project, more than 414 , 000 people directly benefited from improved WASH services, exceeding the original target by 40%.

A total of 49.04 million litres of safe water were delivered to 59 hospitals facing water shortages, helping ensure the continuity of essential health services, reducing disruptions in patient care and supporting over 812,000 patient consultations and admissions through enhanced access to safe water and improved conditions in Hospitals. WHO completed technical assessments for sustainable water supply solutions in 10 Hospitals, laying the groundwork for future investments to create a more resilient health care infrastructure.

A new sewage system is installed to ensure proper waste management, reduce blockages, and improve overall sanitation across the facilityA new sewage system is installed to ensure proper waste management, reduce blockages, and improve overall sanitation across the facility

The project strengthened water quality monitoring systems through routine testing and corrective treatment measures, helping hospitals maintain safer water supplies and reduce public health risks. Seventy-two health workers were trained on WASH FIT implementation, water quality monitoring and the operation and maintenance of water systems, strengthening local capacity to sustain improvements beyond the project's lifespan.

WASH rehabilitation works were completed at Marib Governorate Hospital and Matna Hospital (Marib & Sana’a Governorates), improving water connectivity, sanitation infrastructure, hand hygiene facilities and environmental hygiene conditions. The improvements have enhanced patient and staff safety and strengthened infection prevention and control practices.

"Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services is fundamental to safe and quality health care,” said WHO Representative in Yemen Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain. “Through this partnership with KSrelief, we have strengthened health care environments, protected patients and health workers, and helped ensure that vulnerable communities continue to access essential health services. These investments will continue to benefit health facilities and communities long after the project's completion."

KSrelief support has played a crucial role in improving health care facility resilience and addressing urgent WASH needs . The project reflects the longstanding partnership between WHO and KSrelief to improve health outcomes, strengthen health systems and support vulnerable populations across Yemen.

Media contacts

WHO Yemen Communications

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About WHO

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting health, keeping the world safe and serving the vulnerable. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, coordinate responses to health emergencies and advance well-being for all.