Since 2015, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has operated the Mother and Child Hospital in Al-Houban, a city in Yemen’s Taiz governorate—one of the few facilities providing free, high-quality health care in a region deeply affected by more than a decade of conflict.
After 10 years of service, MSF has officially handed over the hospital to the Ministry of Health.
MSF is leaving the hospital fully staffed by well-trained professionals and equipment, said Tila Muhammad, MSF’s country director, who is based in Sanaa. “At the same time, I find it very emotional to leave, after spending years in this beautiful and challenging country with its incredible people.”
By the numbers: MSF’s 10 years of work in Taiz Houban
- Treated approximately 185,000 children under 5 years old in our ambulances
- Admitted over 200,000 to the emergency room
- Assisted 67,000 deliveries
- Offered post-natal care for 133,000 patients
- Treated 13,846 children and babies for malnutrition
- Performed over 10,000 surgical interventions
- Admitted 32,165 children to pediatric and neonatal wards
- Treated over 1 million patients at the Mother and Child Hospital
Despite the handover of the Mother and Child Hospital, MSF is not leaving Yemen or its people. Our teams remain present in the country, providing health care services to people in 10 of its 22 governorates. However, the decision comes amid a challenging humanitarian landscape, including recent reductions in global aid, the suspension of USAID funding by the Trump administration, and regional tensions. These factors have all put further strain on the health system in Yemen.
When MSF started the project in Taiz Houban in 2015, the area was identified as one of the most underserved in Taiz governorate.
“Since the opening we have been providing essential health care, emergency services for children under 5, comprehensive maternity care including C-sections, treatment for malnutrition, and more,” said Allan Silver Emuna, MSF hospital director. “We have also responded to outbreaks, supported complicated pregnancies, and offered lifesaving referrals, as well as trauma care due to the conflict. Over the years, the 168-bed hospital evolved into a full-scale general hospital offering critical care to the local population.”
The hospital was often the only accessible medical facility
With a population of around 940,000 people in Taiz City and surrounding areas, patients often traveled long distances to reach the hospital. For many, it was the only place they could access health care.
“Overall, the community has a great respect and appreciation for the hospital, as it is the only facility providing free-of-charge services related to mother and child health care,” said Abrar Mohammed, MSF health promotion supervisor. “Although, sometimes there is also frustration within the community, as it doesn't cover all the health needs. In private hospitals in Taiz Houban, a basic C-section can cost up to $1,000, which is 10 times the average monthly salary, if you have a job."
MSF has committed to supporting the authorities with incentives for hospital staff, medicines, and other relevant goods and supplies that are necessary for regular operations of Taiz Houban Hospital for the next six months. This will ensure continuity of care for the local community.
MSF in Yemen
MSF has been working in Yemen since 1986 and has maintained a continuous presence in the country since 2007. Years of conflict have decimated Yemen’s public infrastructure, while millions of people lack access to clean water, food, and medical care.
Our work in Yemen and around the world is guided solely by medical needs and is carried out without influence from political, religious, or economic agendas. This is made possible by our independent funding, over 95 percent of which comes from private donors and allows us to assess needs freely, access communities, and directly deliver the assistance we provide.
