23 October 2016 – The Ministry of Public Health and Population in Yemen has confirmed additional cases of cholera and cholera-related deaths in the country.
As of today, a total of 644 suspected cases of cholera, including 3 deaths, have been reported. 31 cases have been laboratory-confirmed so far. Among the deaths, 2 occurred in Sanaa and 1 death occurred in Aden governorate.
Acute watery diarrhoeal diseases are endemic in Yemen. It is the second most common cause of death, especially among infants and school children. As a result of the ongoing conflict, two third of Yemenis do not have access to clean water and sanitation services are limited, especially in cities, further increasing the risk of catching cholera.
WHO is working in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and Population and partners on the ground to run a joint health/WASH taskforce to coordinate the daily response. WHO is also supporting the Ministry to take necessary public health measures to stop transmission and prevent the spread of cholera to other areas, enhance surveillance, improve case management and raise community awareness in high-risk areas.
