The World Health Organization reported a rapid outbreak of diphtheria in Yemen, stating that over 1,300 cases have been reported across the war-torn country. In a statement issued on Saturday, March 16, it was noted that nearly 80% of those infected are children and adolescents, with more than 70 fatalities among them. The first cases of the infectious disease were observed in Yemen in October 2017. Diphtheria is bacterial in nature and highly contagious, affecting the respiratory system. The WHO announced on Friday that vaccination for children in 11 provinces of Yemen has been completed. On December 21, 2017, the International Red Cross reported that the number of suspected cholera cases in Yemen had reached one million. Meanwhile, the Security Council called on all parties involved in Yemen on Thursday to facilitate humanitarian aid to the war-affected population. According to UN estimates, over 22 million of Yemen's 26 million population urgently need food, medicine, and other essential supplies. A statement approved by 15 members of the Security Council expressed 'deep concern' regarding the impact of the Yemen conflict on civilians. Mark Lowcock, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, warned on February 27 about the 'catastrophic' situation in Yemen after three years of war. The Security Council's statement on Thursday was initiated by the Netherlands and Sweden, reiterating calls for a ceasefire from the Saudi coalition and Houthi militants. The Saudi coalition began 'Operation Decisive Storm' against the Houthis in Yemen on March 26, 2015. However, after three years of relentless bombing, the Houthis still control Sana'a, the capital, and the strategic port of Hodeidah. Iran supports the Houthis in the Yemen war; Saudi Arabia and the US have accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to the Houthis. The Houthis periodically launch missiles towards Saudi Arabia. Iran has denied these accusations. Last week, Reuters reported that the Saudi coalition and the Houthis have been negotiating in Oman for a comprehensive agreement to end the three-year war in the country.
World Health Organization Reports Diphtheria Outbreak in Yemen
The WHO has reported over 1,300 cases of diphtheria in Yemen, primarily affecting children, amidst a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict. The UN estimates that over 22 million people in Yemen urgently need assistance, while calls for a ceasefire continue. The situation highlights the dire health and humanitarian conditions in Yemen as the war persists.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The WHO reported a rapid outbreak of diphtheria in Yemen, primarily affecting children, amidst a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflict.
- Over 1,300 cases of diphtheria reported, with 70 fatalities.
- Vaccination efforts have been completed in 11 provinces of Yemen.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015, involving the Houthi rebels and a Saudi-led coalition, leading to a dire humanitarian situation.
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