Disabilities in Yemen- a serious issue deserving more attention

Between 12% and 13% of people living in the developing world have some form of disability, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). To decrease the number of disabled among future generations and to alleviate the present situation, a medical conference dealing with spinal column injuries and neurosurgery is being held in the Sana’a Sheraton Hotel from October 11th-13th. 

“Sana’a was chosen by the Pan Arab Spine Society (PASS) to evaluate efforts by Yemen’s political leadership to improve the overall health of the country, the base goal of Yemen’s development plan,” said Amin al-Kamali, Head of the Yemen Neurological Surgeons Society (YNSS) and head of the conference, during the opening ceremony.

“The state is keen to provide all the requirements for the professional advancement of medical practitioners in Yemen, especially in the field of neurosurgery and the treatment of spinal injuries in a bid to reduce disabilities stemming from these problems,” said Mr. Sadiq Amin Abu-Rass, Deputy Prime Minster for Local Affairs.

The Sixth Congress of Pan Arab Spine Society is taking place at the same time as the First Congress of Yemeni Neurological Surgeons. As part of this conference, specialists from 25 foreign and Arab countries in addition to medical specialists from different Yemeni governorates have been assembled. The participants discussed many issues related to brain and spinal diseases. They focused especially on cancers and injuries resulting from accidents, in addition to chronic diseases of the nervous system and finally defects and congenital malformations of the brain and spine.

More than 100 medical work papers were discussed during the conference, including recent scientific research and studies specialized in spinal and brain surgery. The conference was prepared by the YNSS and the PASS to give doctors working in these fields an opportunity to update their knowledge and exchange experiences with others. The conference also aims to develop a national strategy which will contribute to reducing the overall rate of disability in Yemen.

Disabilities inhibit people’s ability to effectively interact with their environment. People with physical or mental limitations are often disabled not because of their level of functionality, but rather because they are denied access to education, labor markets, and public services.  This exclusion leads to poverty and creates a vicious circle; poverty can lead to more disability as it makes people more vulnerable to malnutrition, disease, and unsafe living and working conditions.

Mr. Abu-Rass also urged the relevant stake-holders to focus on increasing the number of specialists in neurological and spinal cord surgery, and establish more specialized health-care centers. He also argued that the government should provide these facilities with the necessary medical equipment, modern therapeutic techniques and qualified staff to provide patients with the care they need for these diseases.  Deputy Minster of Public Health and Population, Planning Sector, Dr. Jamal Nasher, said that the ministry seeks to establish a national center specializing in neurosurgery. 

Impairments and disabilities in Yemen are caused by a number of factors. These include road, construction and firearm accidents, poor medical infrastructure and malpractice, iodine and vitamin A deficiency, poor maternal health related to malnutrition, hereditary issues. In addition, environmental factors including epidemics, natural disasters, pollution, and inaccessible environments can cause disabilities. 

Further, maternal health is notably affected by Qat consumption. According to The World Bank (1999), Qat severely reduces women’s appetites and leaves pregnant mothers without food for extended periods, causing nutritional problems for both mother and child. There is a lack of awareness raising strategies on the prevention of disability in Yemen. This leads to new cases of preventable impairments on a daily basis.  

“Lack of awareness among people leads to many children becoming disabled. I was affected by Meningitis during the first year of my life, and as a result I am disabled. I am sure that such conferences will help to reduce people’s suffering, especially children,” said Jamala al-Bedhani, Head of the Challenge Association of Physically Disable Women and a representative of the disabled in Yemen.

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