Yemen Bears World’s Highest Cholera Burden, Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
Published on December 23, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Yemen is currently facing the world’s most severe cholera outbreak, with over 2.5 million suspected cases and more than 4,000 deaths since the first cases were reported in 2016. The country’s healthcare system has been devastated by years of conflict, making it difficult to contain the outbreak.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Yemen now accounts for nearly 50% of all reported cholera cases worldwide. The outbreak is particularly severe in the country’s coastal regions, where heavy rainfall and flooding have created ideal conditions for the spread of the disease.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is transmitted through contact with contaminated water or food. Symptoms typically develop within two to three days of exposure and can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, cholera can lead to death if not treated promptly.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen has made it difficult for people to access clean water and sanitation, which are essential for preventing the spread of cholera. According to UNICEF, an estimated 14.8 million people in Yemen do not have access to safe drinking water, and nearly 17 million lack access to basic sanitation.
The conflict in Yemen has also displaced millions of people from their homes, forcing them to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. This has further increased the risk of cholera transmission.
“The cholera outbreak in Yemen is a direct result of the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis it has created,” said Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Program. “People are living in appalling conditions, with no access to clean water, sanitation, or healthcare. This is a recipe for disaster.”
The WHO and other humanitarian organizations are working to contain the cholera outbreak in Yemen. However, they face significant challenges, including ongoing violence, limited access to affected areas, and a lack of resources.
“We need urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and to stop the spread of cholera,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO. “We call on all parties to the conflict to allow humanitarian organizations access to affected areas and to ensure that people have access to the basic services they need to survive.”
Additional Information:
- Cholera is a preventable disease. Vaccines are available to protect against cholera, and oral rehydration therapy can be used to treat the disease.
- The ongoing conflict in Yemen has destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure, including hospitals and water treatment facilities.
- The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has also led to a severe food crisis. An estimated 19 million people in Yemen are food insecure, and nearly 10 million people are at risk of famine.
- The United Nations has declared Yemen the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Yemen bears world’s highest cholera burden, deepening humanitarian crisis
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