Methods: In June 2020, MedGlobal conducted rapid needs assessments related to COVID-19 from eight hospitals in Al Hudaydah, Taiz, Aden, and Sana’a. MedGlobal also conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 medical professionals from Al Hudaydah, Taiz, Aden, Sana’a, and Marib. Data and information from the Yemen Health Cluster informed our research and ongoing operational response in Yemen.

Results: We found a widespread lack of sufficient COVID-19 testing capabilities and supplies throughout Yemen, particularly oxygen, ventilators, ICU beds, and PPE. Additionally, the economic crisis, a major shortage in humanitarian funding, and cuts to medical staff salaries were contributing factors in a limited COVID-19 response. Most importantly, our research documented 105 health workers - including infectious disease experts, medical directors, midwives, pharmacists, and other critical medical professionals - who died reportedly from COVID-19 within the first five months of the virus being confirmed in Yemen. The COVID-19 outbreak disproportionately impacted health workers.

Discussion: The impact of COVID-19 on Yemen’s health workforce and broader population underscores uniquely dire issues faced by fragile and conflict-affected states. At a time when comprehensive and coordinated health care is more important than ever, the fragile health system in Yemen is splintering further. COVID-19, coupled with the effects of protracted conflict, economic collapse, and widespread acute levels of vulnerability, is having an impact on the health system that will outlive the pandemic.