Yemen is battling the highest burden of cholera globally, with nearly 250,000 suspected cases and 861 deaths as of December 1, 2024. This devastating outbreak has escalated sharply, with cases rising by 37% and deaths by 27% compared to the same period last year. Cholera, a waterborne disease, continues to threaten the lives of millions, exacerbating Yemen’s already dire humanitarian situation.
Key Takeaways:
- Cholera Surge: Yemen has reported 249,900 suspected cholera cases, accounting for 35% of global cases, and 861 deaths (18% of global cholera mortality) as of December 2024.
- Funding Shortages: The cholera response faces a critical $20 million funding gap, leading to the closure of essential treatment centers. Without immediate support, more centers will shut down by the end of the year, leaving millions without treatment.
- Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis: Over 18 million people in Yemen need aid, including 11.2 million who are in urgent need of assistance. The cholera outbreak is just one part of a larger crisis, with widespread food insecurity and malnutrition affecting millions.
Why the Situation Is Critical
The cholera crisis is compounded by Yemen’s decade-long conflict, economic collapse, and a fragile healthcare system. Access to clean water and sanitation remains limited, while many healthcare facilities struggle to operate due to insufficient funding. In the face of these challenges, WHO and humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to control the outbreak, but their efforts are strained by a lack of resources.
The cholera outbreak began escalating in March 2024, and despite international support, Yemen’s health infrastructure is on the brink of collapse. The disease spreads rapidly due to poor sanitation and inadequate access to safe drinking water, making it more difficult to contain.
Efforts to Combat Cholera
WHO and humanitarian partners have launched extensive efforts to control the outbreak:
- Rapid Response Teams: Over 25,000 missions have been deployed to investigate cases and implement control measures.
- Medical Support: More than 800 health workers have been trained in cholera case management.
- Vaccination Campaigns: An oral cholera vaccination campaign has reached 3.2 million people in affected areas.
However, these efforts are hampered by a severe funding shortage. Without additional financial support, Yemen risks facing another cholera epidemic as severe as the 2017-2020 outbreak.
Urgent Action Required
Immediate funding is needed to ensure the survival of vital treatment centers and prevent further loss of life. Donors and humanitarian organizations must come together to support Yemen’s cholera response and address the broader humanitarian needs of the population.
