UNICEF Issues Another Warning on Cholera in Yemen: 'The Situation is Horrific'

While less than two weeks have passed since the UN warned about the 'rapid spread of cholera in Yemen,' reports indicate that the number of infected individuals has surpassed 120,000 and has nearly doubled in a short period. The United Nations Children's Fund, 'UNICEF,' in its latest report states that currently, 124,000 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in Yemen. Of this number, 923 people have lost their lives, with children making up half of the victims. Looking back at UNICEF's previous report on June 3, the number of suspected cases, which was close to 70,000, has now doubled. At that time, the UN had warned that if necessary aid was not provided, the number of infected individuals would double in two weeks and reach 300,000 in a month. Given the current reported statistics, it seems that the 'requested aid' has either not reached the responders at all or has been completely inadequate. Christopher Tidey, a UNICEF spokesperson, stated on June 13 that 'the reality is that the humanitarian situation is currently horrific and, as it appears, is only getting worse, especially for children.' UNICEF had previously warned that cholera could cross Yemen's borders and reach neighboring countries. The deadly cholera disease is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium and can enter the body through contaminated water or by consuming contaminated vegetables or undercooked seafood. The disease begins with severe diarrhea. Currently, there are only a few active treatment centers in Yemen, and according to UN estimates, two-thirds of Yemeni citizens do not have access to safe water. The cholera outbreak in Yemen has intensified due to political and military tensions and military intervention in the country. The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, seized the Yemeni presidential palace in January 2015. President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi fled from Sana'a to Aden and then to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition intervened militarily in support of Hadi in April 2015, three months after the rebels took over the presidential palace. Fighting and tensions continue. In this context, the World Health Organization has warned about the cholera outbreak in Yemen.