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The cholera epidemic in Yemen already claimed 1700 deaths - many of them children
The civil war country Yemen is currently hit by the worst cholera epidemic in the world. The number of cholera infections has risen to over 300,000. The disease has already caused more than 1,700 deaths - many of them children. Actually, cholera can be treated relatively easily.
More than 1.7000 deaths from cholera epidemic
The civil war in Yemen, which has been going on for years, has meant that the health system of the country has largely collapsed. The grievances contribute to a rapid spread of diseases. Yemen is currently hit by the world's worst cholera outbreak. As the Red Cross reported, the number of cholera cases in the country has risen to more than 300,000. According to a news agency AFP, the organization warns that the epidemic is "out of control". Over 1,700 people have already died of the infectious disease - including many children. On Monday, there were still 1,600 fatalities.
The cholera epidemic in civil strife Yemen has already claimed more than 1,700 lives. The country urgently needs more international aid. Above all, the supply of clean water needs to be improved. (Image: KariDesign / fotolia.com) Illness can actually be treated easily
"The cholera epidemic continues to spread in an uncontrolled manner," said the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva.
Cholera bacteria are primarily spread over water that is contaminated with human fecal matter. Among other things, the infection leads to severe diarrhea and vomiting. Due to the extreme fluid loss, the disease can lead to death.
In fact, cholera can be treated relatively easily and successfully, but in the civil war, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other experts estimate that the epidemic will be difficult to control.
Health system is largely destroyed
The health care system in Yemen has almost been destroyed in the course of the violent conflicts in recent years.
There is a lack of medication and the medical staff has not received any salary for months. In addition, large parts of the population lack knowledge about how to prevent infection.
Many residents of the country are weakened because they do not have enough to eat. And about two-thirds of the approximately 27 million inhabitants have no access to clean water. The sewage systems and waste disposal often no longer work.
Fatal consequences especially for children
Especially for children, the current cholera epidemic has fatal consequences. "Children make up half of the suspected cholera cases and a quarter of reported deaths," says a UNICEF UN Children's Fund Communication.
Dr. Meritxell Relano, UNICEF representative in Yemen, said in an earlier statement: "The outbreak makes a bad situation for children drastically worse. Many of the children who died of the disease were also severely malnourished. "
Today, for children in Yemen, with cholera, malnutrition and the relentless violence of the civil war, life is more of a desperate struggle for survival.
The situation is not likely to improve so quickly. According to political observers, peace negotiations are currently at a standstill.
The measures to contain the cholera epidemic must increase enormously in the coming months.
More international help needed
MSF called for more international aid in the fight against cholera.
In particular, "in Abs in northwestern Yemen urgently needs more help," it says in a statement.
"Above all, the supply of people with clean water and sanitary facilities needs urgent improvement in order to prevent further spread of the disease," the experts report.
This had been a major problem even before the outbreak of the epidemic - now it was the main cause of the spread of the disease.
"Either something is about to happen, or more people will get sick in the coming weeks and months," said Gabriel Sánchez, MSF program director.
"Not only do we have to take care of the patients, we also have to disinfect houses and treat chlorine sources with water," said Christina Imaz, the organization's logistics coordinator. (Ad)