Human malaria is the most common vector-borne disease in Yemen, with approximately 65% of the total population at risk of infection. In response, WHO is supporting volunteer health workers with rapid diagnostic tests, medicines and training needed to detect and treat malaria cases, and to educate communities about malaria prevention.
Zahra’a Mohammed, 25, has worked as a community health volunteer in the Lahj Governorate of South Yemen since 2019.
“I am passionate about what I do -- going into hard-to-reach areas where there is little awareness about health, and limited access to health services,” says Zahra’a. “It gives me great joy to serve my community in this way.”
Zahra’a and other community health volunteers are making a real difference in Yemen’s fight against malaria. The 2020 World Malaria Report estimates that 20.4 million people live in areas at risk of malaria transmission, while up to 1 million new malaria cases are estimated to ravage the country every year.
It is in these at-risk communities where Zahra’a and many other health volunteers walk from house to house, often under a scorching sun, to provide malaria testing, treatment and prevention awareness to adults and children who would otherwise be unreached with this potentially life-saving help.
Zahra’a spends much of her time helping community members to better understand how they can prevent malaria through preventive measures and practices. She also follows up with confirmed and suspected malaria cases to further assist their recovery.
A very important part of WHO’s work across Yemen has been the building of the capacities of health professionals and volunteers like Zahra’a to protect and save people’s lives, at the frontlines of disease outbreaks.
“The trainings we receive do more than just build our professional skills and expertise,” Zahra’a explains. “Their benefits extend into the communities we visit – to those who need us most.”
WHO in partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has established the Malaria Control and Prevention Project to support malaria and dengue vector control and prevention in Yemen.
To ensure the provision of life-saving interventions. this project provides technical assistance at national and subnational levels ranging from case surveillance and management to capacity-building for malaria diagnosis and treatments at public health facilities and through community visits.
Only about half of Yemen’s health facilities are fully or even partially functioning. Those that remain open lack qualified, paid health staff, essential medicines and medical equipment. As Yemen remains besieged by outbreaks of malaria and other vector-borne diseases, it is critical to sustain and scale up malaria control and integrated vector management efforts in communities across the country.
These are challenges that also compel Zahra’a to keep walking and working as a community health volunteer.
“I have learned a lot from being on the frontlines of the fight against malaria,” Zahra concludes. “I have a better understanding of the vulnerable people who I visit and help. And I am proud and grateful to be a part of these very important humanitarian efforts in Yemen."
Story: Hanan Eshaq, Kevin Cook / WHO-Yemen
Photos: Kevin Cook, Omar Nasr / WHO-Yemen