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WHO reports more than 100,000 suspected cholera cases in Yemen
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WHO reports that the number of suspected cholera cases in Yemen has now reached 101,820 and continues to rise, accounting for 791 deaths as of June 7, 2017. Particularly vulnerable are children younger than the age of 15, who account for 46% of cases, and those aged older than 60, who account for 33% of fatalities.
In collaboration with WHO, UNICEF and their partners are working together to respond to this latest cholera outbreak, specifically in the areas reporting the highest number of cases, to stop further spread of the disease.
"These cholera 'hot spots' are the source of much of the country’s cholera transmission," Nevio Zagaria, MD, PhD, head of WHO’s office in Yemen, said. "Stamp out cholera in these places and we can slow the spread of the disease and save lives. At the same time, we’re continuing to support early and proper treatment for the sick and conducting prevention activities across the country.”
Yemen’s health system has nearly been eradicated by over 2 years of conflict, leaving less than half of the country’s health centers fully functional and drastically slowing the rate of incoming medical supplies. More than 14 million people have limited access to clean water and sanitation due to damaged infrastructure.
With the help of WHO and UNICEF, approximately 3.5 million people across Yemen have been reached by disinfecting water tanker filling stations, chlorinating drinking water, repair of water treatment plants, restoration of water supply systems, providing household water treatments and distributing hygiene kits with soaps and washing powders. Support and medical supplies have been provided to oral rehydration centers and diarrheal treatment centers in Yemen for screening and immediate medical help. Simultaneously, WHO and UNICEF are spreading hygiene awareness to the affected populations.
“The cholera outbreak is making a bad situation for children drastically worse. Many of the children who have died from the disease were also acutely malnourished,” Meritxell Relano, PhD, UNICEF’s representative in Yemen, said in the press release. “Today, life for children in Yemen is a desperate struggle for survival, with cholera, malnutrition and the relentless violence constantly sounding a death knell at their doorsteps.”
Although more funding is needed to respond to the cholera outbreak, particularly for water and sanitation interventions, an increased number of health, water and sanitation partners in the field and in areas with poor access due to conflict is the highest priority.
Disclosures: Relano works as UNICEF’s representative in Yemen. Zagaria is head of WHO’s office in Yemen.