Armed conflict continues in Yemen, where more than half of the country’s healthcare facilities are running at reduced capacity due to a shortage of staff and medical supplies. That means that front line and mobile providers are a critical source of healthcare for many Yemenis.

To equip healthcare workers outside of hospital walls, Direct Relief recently shipped Emergency Medical Backpacks to outfit first responders in Abyan Governate. Each ruggedized pack contains supplies and equipment to address common disaster-related health needs, including infection control, diagnostics, trauma care, and personal protection gear.

Direct Relief initially developed, designed, and field tested the Emergency Medical Packs 10 years ago specifically for first responders to have immediate access to appropriate, standardized gear when activated and deployed in emergencies.

The latest shipment of backpacks went to first responders from the group Yemen Aid, which operates mobile medical teams providing care in conflict zones across rebel-held territories, as well as isolated communities which lack access to even basic healthcare services.

With support from Direct Relief, Yemen Aid has distributed 57 tons of medical aid to healthcare facilities throughout the country. Despite the logistical challenges of delivering aid within a conflict zone, Direct Relief has shipped over 66 tons of medicines and medical supplies to Yemen over the past two years to local groups like Yemen Aid.

In addition to Emergency Medical Backpacks, Direct Relief has also shipped Emergency Health Kits, which contain life-saving essential medicines and supplies, and Cholera Treatment Kits to combat outbreaks of the disease.