19 July 2018 - The Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has reported 2597 suspected cholera cases and three associated deaths during epidemiological week 26 (25 June – 1 July) in 2018. The cumulative total from 27 April 2017 to 1 July 2018 is 1,115,378 suspected cholera cases and 2310 associated deaths (CFR 0.21%). Children under 5 years of age represent 28.8% of the total suspected cases. So far, the cholera outbreak has affected 22 out of 23 governorates and 305 out of 333 districts in Yemen. 

At the national level, the trend for the weekly number of cases is stable. The number of reported cases has decreased or remained stable in all governorates for three consecutive weeks, with the exceptions of Amran, Sanaa, Dhamar, Al Bayda, Amanat Al Asimah and Ibb. This week, 14 out of 22 governorates reported new cases, with the highest number coming from Amran (479), Amanat Al Asimah (335), Sanaa (331), and Al Hudaydah (312). Al Hudaydah Governorate accounts for the highest number of suspected cases (163,864 including 286 associated deaths), which represent 14.7 % of the total suspected cholera in the country.

WHO, in coordination with Health and WASH cluster partners, continues to support the Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen to contain this outbreak through the strengthening of disease surveillance, including laboratory capacity, case management and improving sanitation. 

To date, out of 4459 samples collected, 1157 cases have been confirmed as cholera positive by culture. The latest positive culture was confirmed on 29 June 2018 in Amanat Al Asimah.

WHO and UNICEF, with MOPHP are preparing to conduct an oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign in six districts in Al Hudaydah, targeting 823,000 people over age one. The targeted districts are those still reporting laboratory-confirmed cases where improvements to water and sanitation are extremely challenging. OCV will be part of the overall strategy to stop/reduce transmission in these districts.