Public PhD Viva-Voce Examination of Mr. Hassan Ali Ali Sinan, from the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts & Humanities – Sana’a University

Mr. Hassan Ali Sinan has successfully awarded a PhD from the Department of Sociology, majoring in Medical Sociology, at Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Sana’a University. His dissertation, titled “COVID 19 Pandemic And Its Social And Economic Repercussions on Yemen: An Applied Study in the Capital Secretariat (Sana’a)” was defended on Saturday, 21st of Jumad I, 1446 Hijri, corresponding to November 23, 2024, in Jamal Abdel Nasser Hall.

The Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
1. Prof. Abdullah Muqbil Muammar, Main Supervisor, Sana’a University, member.
2. Prof. Afif Ahmed Al-Haimi, Internal examiner, Sana’a University, chair.
3. Prof. Intisar Mohsen Al-Salawi, External examiner, Taiz University, Member.

The primary objective of the dissertation was to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the social and economic dimensions of Yemeni society, while also contributing to the social scientific understanding of the pandemic’s effects. The research yielded several significant findings, including:
1. The pandemic led to a notable decline in traditional social interactions, such as handshaking and various communal events, including weddings, family gatherings, and condolences. It also resulted in restricted access to places of worship and pilgrimage activities.
2. The pandemic adversely affected employment rates, leading to widespread work stoppages and layoffs, particularly within the private sector, thereby exacerbating the social and economic challenges faced by many individuals in Yemen.
3. All critical sectors in Yemen—including trade, agriculture, industry, and transportation—experienced detrimental effects due to the pandemic.
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In light of these findings, the researcher proposed several recommendations within his thesis, which include:
1. Emphasizing the development of e-learning and the digitization of curricula in educational institutions to better prepare for future crises, epidemics, and pandemics.
2. Formulating sector-specific strategic plans to address crises at all levels within Yemeni society, particularly within health, education, and economic sectors.
3. Enhancing the capacity of the health sector to effectively manage diseases and emergencies.
4. Promoting electronic or digital management practices across various sectors and expanding the utilization of digital applications and online communication platforms within business environments.
5. Prioritizing scientific research across medical, social, economic, and political domains to equip individuals and communities with the tools needed to navigate crises.
6. Reassessing priorities in the post-Covid-19 context by focusing on health, education, and local economic recovery while addressing the pandemic’s social and economic repercussions.

The Viva-Voce was attended by several academics, researchers, students, and several colleagues and family members of the researcher.