Kathmandu: The United Nations is preparing to open a humanitarian medical air bridge for Yemeni civilians who are suffering from conditions that cannot be treated in Yemen. Eighty percent of patients for this flight are women and children. The air bridge is one of their last hopes.

Issuing a statement on September 16, Dr. Nevio Zagiria, WHO representative in Yemen said that the aim is to help patients suffering from cancer, chronic diseases and congenital anomalies receive the treatment they need. The civilians who will benefit include patients suffering from leukemia, early stage tumors, cervical and thyroid cancer, and patients who need radiotherapy, and bone marrow and kidney transplants, he added.

Meanwhile, Lise Grande, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, on 15 September has initiated a note verbale with authorities in Sanaa to enable the medical transfer of critically ill patients, by chartered air flight, to a medical facility that is equipped to manage such issues.

The humanitarian air bridge will operate for an initial trial period of six months.