Yemen's Cholera Burden

December 23, 2024, Aden, Yemen – In a shocking revelation, Yemen has emerged as the country with the highest cholera burden in the world. The country is grappling with a devastating cholera outbreak that has persisted for years, notably from 2017 to 2020, marking one of the most significant public health crises in recent history.

Current Statistics

As of December 1, 2024, Yemen reported an alarming 249,900 suspected cholera cases and 861 related deaths since the start of the year. This staggering statistic represents approximately 35% of the global cholera burden and a shocking 18% of worldwide reported deaths from this disease. To exacerbate the situation, the number of cases and deaths in November 2024 surged by 37% and 27%, respectively, compared to the same month in 2023. This rise is primarily attributed to updated data that reflects a more accurate picture of the crisis across all governorates.

Healthcare System Strain

Dr. Arturo Pesigan, the WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen, stated, 'The outbreak of waterborne diseases, including cholera and acute watery diarrhea, adds an enormous strain to an already overburdened healthcare system facing multiple disease outbreaks.' He highlighted that humanitarian efforts are severely hampered due to critical funding shortages.

Root Causes and Urgent Needs

The dire circumstances in Yemen are fueled by a lack of access to safe drinking water, ineffective community hygiene practices, and severely limited access to timely medical treatment. Without urgent and comprehensive intervention strategies addressing these concerns, the situation is unlikely to improve. WHO officials emphasize the need for a robust approach that includes enhanced coordination, ongoing surveillance, improved laboratory capacity, efficient case management, community engagement, and expanded water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives. Furthermore, oral cholera vaccinations must be a priority to curb this life-threatening epidemic.

Funding Shortfalls

Recent projections indicate a sobering funding shortfall of $20 million needed to combat the cholera crisis effectively. Between March and November 2024, a staggering 47 diarrhea treatment centers (DTCs) and 234 oral rehydration centers (ORCs) were forced to close due to a lack of financial support. If funding does not improve, an additional 17 DTCs and 39 ORCs are set to shut down by the end of the year, crippling 84% of DTCs and 62% of ORCs across Yemen.

WHO's Response and Collaboration

In response to the ongoing health crisis, WHO has collaborated closely with the Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population. This partnership has facilitated over 25,000 quick response missions, timely investigations of alerts, and the initiation of urgent control measures. The organization has also provided vital laboratory supplies to 12 central health laboratories and distributed essential medicines, medical supplies, WASH, and infection prevention resources to healthcare facilities, including 18 DTCs. More than 800 health workers have received training on effective case management, and an oral cholera vaccination campaign supported by WHO has already protected approximately 3.2 million people across six governorates.

The Call for International Support

As Yemen continues to battle this cholera crisis, the world watches closely, marking a critical moment where international support and funding can make an invaluable difference. Will Yemen receive the aid it so desperately needs to end this humanitarian disaster? The clock is ticking, and action is urgent.