Hadhramout / University Media
Under the patronage of Dr. Salem Ahmed Al-Khanbashi, Member of the Presidential Leadership Council, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Hadhramout University hosted today a scientific symposium entitled “The Status of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Yemen: Challenges and Response.” The symposium was held in conjunction with the global observance of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.
During the opening ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Hadhramout, Mr. Hassan Salem Jilani, conveyed the greetings of the local authority and underscored the importance of the symposium, noting that it addresses one of the most pressing public health challenges. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among governmental, medical, and academic institutions to mitigate the impact of neglected tropical diseases, which affect wide segments of society.
Participating remotely in the opening session, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Health and Population for the Primary Healthcare Sector, Dr. Ali Al-Walidi, stated that more than 1.7 billion people worldwide are affected by neglected tropical diseases. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to eliminating these diseases and called for enhanced community awareness, greater support for scientific research, and early access to diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Al-Walidi also highlighted the significant burden placed on the national health system and the ongoing efforts to strengthen its capacity.
For his part, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty Dean, Prof. Dr. Saleh Bahoul, emphasized the importance of promoting scientific research, raising community awareness, and strengthening collaboration among relevant stakeholders to combat neglected tropical diseases. He encouraged students and researchers to translate their academic knowledge into practical solutions to address this critical public health issue.
The symposium featured several scientific presentations addressing key topics, including the role of school health programs in preventing neglected tropical diseases and safeguarding children’s health, as well as the importance of public health awareness, community hygiene practices, and medical education in reducing infection rates and ensuring the sustainability of disease control efforts.
The event was organized by the Hadhramout Health Organization, under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health and Population Office in Coastal Hadhramout, and in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Hadhramout University. The symposium was sponsored by Al-Nahdi Group.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Jumahi, Director General of the Ministry of Public Health and Population Office in Coastal Hadhramout; the symposium coordinator, Dr. Ameera Ba-Fadhl; along with a number of healthcare specialists and professionals.
