The reproductive health warehouses in Abyan and Al Dale' Governorates, crucial for the wellbeing of thousands, are facing severe infrastructural and operational hurdles that threatened their ability to deliver essential health services, according to the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA).
A recent report by UNFPA found that structural decay, frequent power outages, and extreme temperatures had compromised the quality of stored medicines, particularly temperature-sensitive ones like oxytocin at the warehouse in Abyan.
Dr. Somaya Mohammed Ahmed, Reproductive Health Supply Officer in Abyan says, “parts of the roof started falling on us while we were working two years ago.”
Similarly, the warehouse in Al Al Dale' Governorate faced severe infrastructure challenges. Dr. Ali Abdullah Saleh, the warehouse manager, described the previous conditions; “the warehouse was in a very poor condition, with no lighting or cooling system. Rainwater leaked through the windows and doors, damaging the medicines.”
The reproductive health warehouses in Abyan and Al Dale' Governorates play a pivotal in supplying lifesaving reproductive health medicines across health facilities in the region.
In Abyan, the medical supplies serve 169 health facilities across 11 districts, while in Al Dale' they serve more than 3,000 to 4,000 people per month
With support from UNFPA and its local partner Field Medical Foundation (FMF), and funding from the Netherlands, the warehouses underwent crucial rehabilitation. This included, repairing of the roof, installation of a solar power system, improving cooling and ventilation, equipping the warehouses with refrigerators, refurbishing floors and walls, providing pallets and safety equipment.
“Now the warehouse is protected from water leakage and the temperature is excellent, creating a safe environment for preserving medicines,” tells Dr. Ali, while sharing his relief about the rehabilitation.
The transformation has helped to revitalize the warehouses functions, ensuring medicines are stored safely, with better supply chain management for the timely availability of essential medicines.
The improvements in both warehouses also helps to highlight the critical role of infrastructure investment in maintaining the continuity of reproductive health services.