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Yemen

Statement of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on the death of Dr Abdulah Alkhamesi, founder of the Yemen Red Crescent Society

Sana'a / Geneva, 03 September 2017 – The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is deeply saddened by the death of our colleague and friend, Dr Abdulah Alkhamesi, founder of the Yemen Red Crescent Society in 1973 and its leader for nearly three decades.

Dr Alkhamesi was known within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as a man with a deep belief in humanity, who worked tirelessly in the service of his fellow human beings.

The death of Dr Alkhamesi was hastened by a lack of essential medical supplies, yet another indication of the collapsing health system in Yemen—a direct consequence of the conflict and the debilitating restrictions on imports such as much-needed drugs and medical supplies. The situation in Yemen is dire, with less than half of the hospitals and clinics still open. Medical staff and Yemen Red Crescent staff and volunteers continue to carry out their tasks as best they can despite acute shortages on all fronts.

The Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) continue to uphold the same humanitarian commitment that guided Dr. Alkhamesi throughout his life—to help and support the people living in Yemen.