When Every Second Counts: Emergency Response That Saved a Child’s Life

In the remote and war-torn region of Mahliyah district in Marib Governorate, access to healthcare is a daily struggle for families. The ongoing conflict, shifting control between warring parties, and the lack of basic health services have left vulnerable populations, especially children, at high risk of deadly diseases such as Malaria. For a 4-month-old Dhafira Salman Al-Talabi, this struggle became a matter of life and death.

Dhafira’s family, like many others in Mahliyah district, has endured the devastating consequences of war and economic hardship. With limited financial resources and no access to nearby health facilities, they faced an impossible situation when Dhafira fell ill with Malaria. She developed a high fever and began experiencing an alarming and severe complications, including seizures. Without immediate medical intervention, her condition could have been fatal.

Thanks to the Emergency Life-Saving Health Response project, funded by Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF) and implemented by Relief and Development Peer Foundation (RDP), Dhafi-ra’s life was saved. The project supports Mahliyah Hospital by providing free medications, medical supplies, and equipment, as well as hazard allowances for health workers, enabling them to deliver critical care to those in need.

When Dhafira was brought to Mahliyah Hospital, Dr. Buthaina, a dedicated health worker supported by the project, immediately assessed her condition. The necessary blood tests, including a complete blood count and a rapid Malaria test, were conducted using supplies provided by RDP. Once Malaria was confirmed, Dhafira received the lifesaving treatment she needed: anti-malarial drugs, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and fever reducers which all are free of charge.

Dr. Buthaina, who closely followed Dhafira’s case, shared her experience: “When Dhafira arrived, she was in critical condition. Her fever was extremely high, and she was experiencing seizures. The family had no means to afford treatment, and the nearest alternative hospital was hours away. Thanks to the support from YHF and RDP, we were able to provide her with immediate care. The availability of free medications and medical supplies made all the difference. Without this project, many children like Dhafira would not survive.”

Dr. Buthaina also highlighted the broader challenges faced by beneficiaries in the project area: “The communities here are suffering greatly due to the conflict and economic crisis. Many families cannot afford even basic healthcare, and the lack of infrastructure makes it difficult to reach remote areas. The support from this project has been a lifeline, but the needs are immense. We need more resources to expand our services and reach even more vulnerable families.”

With continuous treatment and close follow-up by the hospital’s medical team, Dhafira made a full recovery. Her father expressed immense gratitude, stating that the services provided at Mahliyah Hospital were a lifeline for his daughter. “Given our financial situation and the distance to other hospitals, it would have been impossible to save her without this support,” he said.

This story is just one example of the impact of the Emergency Life-Saving Health Response project. By supporting health facilities like Mahliyah Hospital with free medications, medical supplies, equipment, and hazard allowances for health workers, the project has become a Light in the darkness for vulnerable populations in Rahabah and Mahliyah districts. The project has not only saved lives but also strengthened the resilience of communities facing the dual challenges of conflict and poverty. It has ensured that even in the most remote and underserved areas, life-saving health services remain accessible to those who need them most.