Yemen : an exceptional night at the Al Madman health center: with 17 births

In the governorate of Hodeidah, Yemen, the health center supported by Première Urgence Internationale had a remarkable night. On the night of December 5 to 6, 23 pregnant women arrived to give birth. In a country where over 80% of the population has difficulty accessing healthcare, the Al Madman center is a pillar for maternal and reproductive health.

17 births in 24 hours !

A dedicated team and a safe environment

Of these 23 women, 17 gave birth successfully at the Center, while 6 cases were referred to the specialized Al Thawra hospital for more complex care. Transport and delivery services in these referred cases were fully covered by Première Urgence Internationale. Of the referred deliveries, two were normal and four required Caesarean sections. All six babies were born perfectly healthy.

Dr. Bashir, Première Urgence Internationale doctor at the Al Madman center since 2019, testifies to this extraordinary night:

“The more deliveries we manage, the happier our midwives are! That night, seven of them worked as a team to ensure four simultaneous deliveries in complete safety.”

This night reflects the growing reputation of the center, which attracts women from the surrounding areas: 21 of the 23 patients came from the neighboring districts of Al Mansuriyah, As Sukhnah and even the governorate of Raymah, dozens of kilometers away.

Community trust

The Al Madman health center, located in a remote rural area, is a key facility for maternal and reproductive health. It has 3 dedicated beds and mobilizes a team of six experienced midwives, two doctors, one male and one female, trained in gynecological care, and a total staff of 24, supported by Première Urgence Internationale and the Governorate Health Office.

By November 2024, the center had already attended 120 successful births and provided nearly 2,400 medical consultations. Since the beginning of the year, more than 20,000 consultations have been carried out.

Midwives play a central role in this success. Their expertise, combined with the confidence of the community, means that women can come here even for complex deliveries. The center benefits from an efficient referral system, essential for directing cases requiring a higher level of care to the Al Thawra hospital, 60 km away.

A lasting commitment to vulnerable populations

In this region, marked by the collapse of health infrastructures due to the prolonged conflict, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. The Al Madman center serves a population of 16,000, often among the poorest, who are unable to pay for medical care or transportation.

The presence of qualified midwives and the free care supported by Première Urgence Internationale make it possible to meet the urgent needs of mothers, prevent complications linked to unassisted childbirth and provide a safe and suitable environment for patients.

Initially a small health unit, the Al Madman center has been strengthened over the past five years thanks to the support of Première Urgence Internationale. Since then, more than 3,300 assisted deliveries have been carried out. The night of December 5, with 17 successful births, testifies to the team’s ability to manage emergency situations with professionalism.

Première Urgence Internationale continues to support the staff of the Al Madman health center, to reinforce the quality of care and maintain the confidence of the local communities.

Lear more about our mission in Yemen

Ces activités sont rendues possible grâce au soutien de ECHO.