There is nothing worse than uprooting a person from his home and forcing him to flee, leaving behind his possessions, means of subsistence, memories, and friends, and moving to a new, harsh life that requires working again to build, stabilize, and live a decent life in a moment of weakness. How would it be if the person forced to flee was in his sixties?

This is a story and tragedy of the displaced Haj Saeed Ali - 60 years old - who was forced by the conditions of the ongoing conflict to flee to Al-Sima camp in Al-Wadi district, Marib Governorate.

His weak body is no longer able to bear the consequences of living in camps that lack the most basic necessities, which negatively affected his health, in light of the poor health conditions in the camps.

Diagnosis is half the cure

Saeed no longer has a share of his name after the forced displacement journey, as his health condition deteriorates with the passage of time, and his financial condition does not allow him to go to distant hospitals to obtain medical services, which have become very expensive in the country.

Saeed had no choice but to surrender to the pain, waiting for relief.

In such a dire situation, HUMAN ACCESS has inaugurated a health unit in Al-Sima camp as part of the activities of the “Provision of life-saving basic health care services in emergencies within the minimum service package (MSP)”, a project that is funded by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The opening of this health unit in January 2023 was a relief and light for Saeed and the likes of the displaced who lack adequate health services, in a desert environment with a harsh climate, and in light of the very poor living and economic conditions that the displaced families suffer from.

Saeed visited the health unit, hoping to find something to heal his ailing body. After conducting the necessary medical examinations, it became clear that he was suffering from diabetes, which he did not know.

The wounds that did not heal in his foot are only a symptom of this chronic disease, and the diagnosis is half the cure, as it is said.

Stage of recovery and wellness

A free supply of basic medicines was provided to the patient by the medical team as part of its noble mission.

It was only here that Saeed became really happy that he had received the medical services he desperately needed. Here Saeed said gratefully, "You saved my life, I was about to die."

Additionally, finding out that he has diabetes enables him to take preventive measures to maintain his health towards recovery.

Furthermore, his proximity to the health unit enables him to constantly monitor his health status and obtain the necessary basic medicines.

This is a great success for the project “Providing lifesaving essential healthcare services in emergencies within the minimum service package (MSP)”, which meets an important part of the growing health needs of the displaced and the host community severely affected by the conflict in Yemen.