WHO EMRO – Yemen’s newly launched National Health Strategy 2026–2030 aims to build a resilient, equitable and sustainable health system
30 August 2026, Aden, Yemen – The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP) has launched Yemen’s National Health Strategy (NHS) 2026–2030, a unified roadmap to guide the development of the country’s health sector during the 2026-2030 period. The Strategy brings together government institutions, United Nations agencies, development partners, non-governmental organizations and the private sector around shared national priorities to improve health outcomes for people across Yemen.
WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen, Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, delivers remarks during the official launch of Yemen’s National Health Strategy 2026–2030 in Aden
The NHS aims to build “a resilient and equitable health system that safeguards essential, high-impact services for all Yemenis, especially the most vulnerable”, with the goal of reducing preventable maternal, neonatal and child mortality, restoring routine immunization and nutrition services, strengthening referral systems, improving access to emergency care and protecting families from unaffordable health costs by 2030.
The Strategy marks a shift from responding mainly to the needs of a prolonged emergency towards laying the foundations for recovery and the development of an effective, equitable and sustainable health system. It places Primary Health Care at the centre of this transition, bringing together community engagement, integrated health services with primary care at their core, and action across different sectors.
The NHS is built on five strategic pillars:
- strengthening health services and access to essential medicines;
- enhancing health security and emergency preparedness;
- developing and sustaining the health workforce;
- improving health governance and information systems; and
- advancing sustainable and equitable health financing.
This comprehensive approach responds to the challenges facing Yemen’s health system after years of conflict, economic decline and repeated humanitarian crises. Reduced external financial support has placed additional pressure on an already fragile health system, where many people continue to face difficulties accessing essential health services, alongside health worker shortages, fragile infrastructure, recurrent disease outbreaks and growing financial pressures on families and the health system.
WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen, Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, receives a trophy of appreciation from Prime Minister Dr Shaea Mohsen Al-Zindani and Minister of Public Health and Population Dr Qasim Buhaibeh during the official launch of Yemen’s National Health Strategy 2026–2030 in Aden
The Strategy was developed through an evidence-informed and participatory process led by the Ministry of Public Health and Population, with contributions from national and international partners. WHO provided technical leadership throughout the process, with financial support from the World Bank, contributions from the University of Geneva, and support through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership (UHC-P).
MoPHP will lead implementation of the Strategy through a phased approach, starting by strengthening institutions at central, governorate and district levels so they are better able to plan, organize and deliver quality health services. Successful initiatives will be gradually expanded as the health system moves from emergency response towards recovery and longer-term development.
Implementation will also focus on finding new ways to mobilize domestic resources, use available resources more efficiently and protect people from unaffordable health costs. Essential health services will be further defined and their quality strengthened, while monitoring and evaluation and stronger donor coordination will help track progress and support implementation.
Prime Minister Dr Shaea Mohsen Al-Zindani signs Yemen’s National Health Strategy 2026–2030, alongside Minister of Public Health and Population Dr Qasim Buhaibeh, during the official launch ceremony in Aden
“The National Health Strategy 2026–2030 marks an important milestone in Yemen’s journey towards rebuilding a stronger and more resilient health system. By placing primary health care, health security, equity and national leadership at its core, the strategy provides a shared vision for improving the health and well-being of all people in Yemen. WHO remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Public Health and Population and all partners in translating this strategy into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain.
WHO will continue working closely with the MoPHP, development partners and communities, within its mandate and available resources, to support implementation of the NHS, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient and more equitable health system for the people of Yemen.
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