Sana’a University President Receives ICRC Delegation and Commends Strategic Partnership

Sana’a – February 9, 2026 (Sha‘ban 21, 1447 Hijri)*

Prof. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Bukhaiti, Sana’a University Rector, received this morning at the university presidency in the Capital Secretariat (Sana’a) a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), consisting of:
– Mr. Yves Van Loo, Deputy Head of Delegation
– Mr. Firas Abu Samra, Health Coordinator
– Ms. Saija Lukkarinen, Physical Rehabilitation Program Manager
– Mr. Yaser Al-Emad, Health Project Officer

The meeting was attended by Prof. Khaled Al-Khamisi, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences.

At the outset of the meeting, the Rector welcomed the ICRC delegation and expressed his appreciation for the level of cooperation and distinguished partnership between Sana’a University—represented by the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences—and the ICRC. He commended the tangible achievements resulting from this strategic partnership, noting their positive impact on the quality of applied medical education and the health and rehabilitation services provided.

For his part, Prof. Khaled Al-Khamisi delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting key milestones over the four years of the previous Memorandum of Understanding. He reviewed the extensive support provided by the ICRC, including the rehabilitation of training workshops; the provision of advanced equipment, devices, and scientific references; the support of specialized international experts; and the funding of the new expansion building for the Prosthetics and Orthotics Program. He also noted the support extended to faculty members and students, which has brought about a qualitative transformation in the educational and training environment.

Prof. Al-Khamisi further reviewed the outcomes of the academic partnership, emphasizing major achievements in the development of bridging and bachelor’s programs in Prosthetics and Orthotics and Physical Therapy, and aligning their curricula with international standards. He highlighted the graduation of the first batch of Prosthetics and Orthotics specialists in Yemen—an unprecedented milestone—affirming the faculty’s vision to become a regional reference in education. He also praised the significant achievement of the Prosthetics and Orthotics Program in obtaining prestigious academic accreditation from the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO), describing it as a culmination of the program’s quality and excellence. He underscored the shared desire to sustain and further strengthen the partnership, including updating the existing Memorandum of Understanding to reflect recent developments and achievements.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Hadi, Director of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Idris Mohammed Idris, faculty member at the college, both sides stressed the importance of maintaining this fruitful cooperation and building upon the accomplishments achieved in order to serve the educational and research process and enhance the level of rehabilitation and healthcare services for the community.

It is worth noting that this meeting paves the way for a series of upcoming technical meetings between the ICRC team and the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences to activate and further develop future areas of cooperation.