On 12 July 2020, in a dramatic turn of events, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, only narrowly escaped death during an attack on the Aden International Airport in Yemen. The attack took place as Dr. Tedros was arriving in the war-ravaged country to assess the health situation and oversee the delivery of vital medical supplies to alleviate the nation’s ongoing health crisis.
As the plane carrying Dr. Tedros touched down at the airport, a group of armed men opened fire on the aircraft. In the chaos that followed, bullets ricocheted off the plane’s hull, narrowly missing the Director-General and causing damage to the aircraft.
Dr. Tedros, along with other passengers and crew members, were evacuated via fire trucks and taken to a secure location. Undeterred by the attack, the WHO chief decided to continue his mission in Yemen, despite the danger posed by the ongoing conflict and security threats.
During his visit, Dr. Tedros convened a high-level meeting with Yemeni government officials and humanitarian partners to discuss urgent health priorities. He emphasized the need to improve access to basic healthcare services, particularly for women and children, as well as addressing the persistent cholera outbreak and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The WHO has been working tirelessly to support Yemen in its efforts to mitigate the health impact of the ongoing conflict, which has caused the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Over 80% of the population is in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, including primary healthcare, nutrition, and protection services.
Dr. Tedros’s visit to Yemen is a clear demonstration of the WHO’s commitment to ensuring universal health coverage and providing essential medical aid to those most in need, despite the myriad of challenges posed by conflict and insecurity. Despite the apparent danger, Dr. Tedros’s resolve and dedication to helping the Yemeni people in their hour of need, is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the global health community.
