The United Nations has reported over 186,000 suspected cases of cholera across Yemen, with 680 deaths linked to the disease in the past six months.
The outbreak, which has spread to all 22 provinces of the country, poses a severe health crisis, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
According to a report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), children under five and the elderly account for a quarter of all cases.
The spread of cholera has been driven primarily by contaminated water and food, exacerbating Yemen’s already dire humanitarian situation.
Cholera, a waterborne disease, has been a recurring problem in Yemen, with previous outbreaks recorded in recent years.
However, the ongoing conflict in the country has severely crippled its healthcare infrastructure, making it harder to control the spread of the disease.
Since the civil war erupted in 2014 between the Houthi rebels and forces loyal to the internationally recognized government, Yemen has faced a humanitarian catastrophe.
Access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare has deteriorated, leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases like cholera.
The situation has been worsened by blockades and military operations that have disrupted the delivery of medical supplies and aid to affected regions.
The current outbreak, which began in mid-March 2024, has spread rapidly due to unsafe water sources and food contamination.
Many communities in Yemen rely on untreated water for drinking and cooking, while deteriorating infrastructure has led to improper waste disposal, further contaminating water supplies.
