UN report: More than 186,000 cases of cholera and 680 deaths recorded in Yemen

The United Nations announced that more than 186,000 cases of cholera have been recorded in Yemen, including 680 deaths associated with the disease throughout the country, during the past six months.

"Acute watery diarrhea/cholera continues to spread across Yemen, with children under five and the elderly accounting for a quarter of all cases," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( OCHA ) said in its humanitarian situation report for Yemen issued on Monday.

He added that "health authorities' data indicate a cumulative total of more than 186,000 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhea/cholera, and 680 deaths associated with the disease, in all 22 governorates in Yemen since mid-March, until September 7, 2024."

He explained that the epidemic that has been raging for six months is "unique, as it is driven by water and food contamination," noting that at its peak, between 1,050 and 1,800 new cases were reported daily, underscoring the highly contagious nature of this public health threat.

The report pointed out that the highest cases of infection were reported in the western highlands governorates (most of which are under Houthi control), noting that the latest data indicate the presence of hot spots in the governorates of (Dhale, Al Bayda, Hodeidah, Al Jawf, Amran, Hajjah, Marib and Raymah).

The report stated that malnourished children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with other chronic health conditions are most at risk of cholera, as “children under five years of age represent 16% of all suspected cases and 18% of deaths, and people over 60 years of age represent nearly 10% of cases and 36% of deaths.”

The report warned that the situation would be exacerbated by heavy rains and subsequent flooding that affected more than 76,800 households in July and August 2024, especially vulnerable population groups living in areas with insufficient access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.