RIYADH: The World Health Organization has condemned the attack on Al-Houban clinic, run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Taiz, in which nine people were wounded, including two MSF staff.
Ahmed Shadoul, the Riyadh-based WHO representative for Yemen, said: “WHO strongly condemns the attack on Al-Houban clinic and other health facilities in Yemen, and is deeply concerned over the serious implications such attacks have on patients, medical personnel and the health infrastructure.”
Shadoul said that the clinic is one of the very few health facilities in Taiz currently offering medical care for displaced people and those in critical need of health care. “At the time when health facilities are overwhelmed with patients, especially in Taiz, they need protection. Medical staff should be allowed to provide medical care to patients in a safe environment.”
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in the damage and destruction of over 99 health facilities including 38 hospitals, 10 polyclinics and 27 ambulances. Nine health workers have died and 17 were injured. In all the attacks, patients, including children, were severely injured, the WHO said in a statement.
In times of crisis, it is vital that health facilities continue to function and medical staff are allowed to provide medical care to patients without any risks.
WHO condemns attack on clinic in Taiz
WHO condemns attack on clinic in Taiz
Where We Are Going Today: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory in Dammam
Since returning to live in the Kingdom after years abroad with the best bakeries at my fingertips, I have been on a mission to find suitable sourdough locally. I sampled many mediocre ones, but one would rise above the rest: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory.
I first met founder Aisha Al-Omair at the Juthoor Farmer’s Market and tried her bread then. I liked it immediately.
“Ana Starter Sourdough Factory started as a passion for creating and fermenting the healthiest bread and introducing it to the Saudi market,” she told me at the time.
It began as a personal mission then expanded — like the dough — to serve the community.
“For a long time, I’ve suffered feeding my kids proper bread. The breads that were available at the supermarkets or at local bakeries had instant yeast, that never really took time to ferment, and therefore, when you consume the average bread, you notice some stiffening, you notice indigestion, you notice bloating and heartburn.”
Indeed, I did not feel any bloating or heartburn after devouring a slice or a few so I recently went on a quest to find more.
I ventured to Dammam to find her factory shop. It is a tiny slither of a place — I almost missed it while driving past factories in the Industrial City.
The shop comes with a decadent whiff of delicious bread.
Upon entering, you will see fridges stocked with bread and goodies like jams and butters (from other brands) that complement the bread well.
The sourdough offerings include jalapeno cheddar, zataar, plain and about a dozen other flavors.
The hassawi sourdough, made with local dates from neighboring Al-Ahsa, quickly became my favorite. It has little bits of dates tucked inside like tiny treasures.
Each slice is separated with a sheet, making it easy to freeze and pull out what you need without slices sticking together.
Fluffy with a rustic crust, it is great for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or slathering with salted butter.
My freezer is now packed with loaves.
At around SR45 ($12) per loaf, the price is slightly steep for the local market, but the superior quality is worth the extra dough.
Each day, they post on Instagram Stories showing what is available for pickup — and the quantity of each item.
Ordering is easy: Send a DM to reserve a loaf, swing by the shop, or opt for delivery.
• For more details, check their Instagram @anaastarter.
