The situation in Yemen is bleak, described by UNICEF as ‘one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises that is robbing children of their future’. The current crisis started back in 2014 when Iranian-backed (Shia) Houthi forces seized control of the capital city Sanaa and national government, only to be driven back by forces loyal to the Saudi-backed (Sunni) president, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.
While the big powers fight out a proxy war, it is the people of Yemen, that suffer, as well as the country’s infrastructure and institutions. The public health sector is in a particularly bad way, stretched beyond capacity by the ongoing war. Yet eye care is very much needed, not only because of the effects of war but also as a result of Yemen’s harsh sunlight, which contributes to more extreme vision problems than we have here in Europe.
The Bishop has chosen the Ras Morbat Eye Clinic because it is a good example of compassion and care for people in need – regardless of religious or tribal identities. It is also supported by our neighbour diocese, the Diocese of Cyprus & the Gulf, in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Aden. His aim is for the diocese to raise €15,000, which will support the clinic’s running costs for 3 months.
More details, including how to donate, here.