WHO More than 100,000 cases of cholera in Yemen - and rising

Cholera outbreak in Yemen has already claimed numerous deaths
In Yemen, a massive cholera epidemic has broken out. More than 100,000 people have already been infected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 800 have died. Most at risk are children and the elderly, according to the WHO. Together with the children's charity UNICEF, the World Health Organization is addressing the epidemic on the spot, but the trend of increasing numbers of infections has so far not been broken.

A total of 101,820 infections and 791 deaths were already registered, according to the World Health Organization in the context of the current cholera epidemic. WHO and UNICEF are particularly active in the regions with the highest outbreaks, in order to contain the epidemic. But so far, the cholera outbreak could not be stopped. More and more people have become infected in the past few weeks.

Cholera bacteria are usually processed via contaminated drinking water. In Yemen, more than 100,000 people have been infected with cholera in recent months (Image: Ezume Images / fotolia.com)

Millions of people without access to clean water
Controlling the outbreak of cholera in Yemen is not an easy task, according to WHO. The country's health care system has been nearly wiped out in the wake of violent conflicts in recent years. Less than half of the country's health centers are still fully functional. Rounds 14.5 million people are cut off from regular access to clean water and sanitation, WHO reports. Workers in the health care system did not receive salaries for more than eight months.

Children especially at risk
Especially for children, the current cholera epidemic has fatal consequences. "The outbreak makes a bad situation for children drastically worse. Many of the children who died of the disease were also severely malnourished, "said Dr ... Meritxell Relano, UNICEF representative in Yemen. 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. According to the WHO, 46 percent of currently registered cholera infections affect adolescents under the age of 15 years.

Help on site
UNICEF and WHO have already taken comprehensive measures with local partners, such as disinfecting drinking water, restoring water treatment plants and water supply systems and setting up special treatment centers across the country for medical care. "All of this happens along with communicating hygiene awareness to the affected populations," according to the WHO statement.

Further action needed to stem the epidemic
Although many funds have already been raised, there is a need for further investment funds, especially for water and sanitary facilities, the WHO warns. However, the most important thing is an increased number of partners who are involved locally - even in regions with poor access (because of the civil war conflicts). The containment of the current cholera epidemic is therefore by no means easy to implement. (Fp)