3 May 2018 – The Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has recorded 1942 suspected cases of cholera, and 2 associated deaths across the country during week 15 (9 - 15 April) in 2018. The cumulative total of suspected cholera cases stands at 1 090 280 and 2 275 associated deaths (case fatality rate 0.21%) since April 2017. Children under 5 years old represent 28.8% of the total suspected cases. So far 2 056 stool samples tested, and 1 115 have tested positive (36.5%) in addition to 42 793 rapid diagnosed tests performed.

The trend of new cases continue to decline. Out of 305 affected districts, 157 have not reported new cases for the past three consecutive weeks. Since the beginning of the year, the highest cumulative suspected cases have been reported in Al Hali (4 482), Maqbanah (1 809), Radman Al Awad (1 753) and Al Sabaeen(1 689),and AL Mighlaf (1 509) .

WHO leads the support to the Ministry along with Health and WASH partners to contain the outbreak through technical and logistical support. This includes strengthening disease surveillance; supporting operations in diarrhoeal treatment centres and oral rehydration corners; training the health workforce in case management; deploying rapid response teams; improving availability of safe water and sanitation. 

Cholera is endemic in Yemen; the country has experienced a surge in cholera cases since April 2017 due to ongoing conflict, destroyed health, water and sanitation infrastructure and malnutrition, which has led the population to be more vulnerable to various epidemic-prone diseases, including cholera.