Yemen bears the highest burden of cholera globally and has experienced persistent cholera transmission for many years, including the largest outbreak – between 2017 and 2020 – recorded in recent history, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO found that as of 1 December, 2024, Yemen had reported 249 900 suspected cases of cholera, with 861 associated deaths since the beginning of the year. This accounts for 35% of the global cholera burden and 18% of global reported mortality. The number of cases and deaths reported in November 2024 are 37% and 27% higher than the same month in 2023.
WHO statement noticed that the increase this year is largely due to updated data from Yemen, with adjustments made to account for more detailed information from all governorates.
WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr Arturo Pesigan, said "The outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera and acute watery diarrhea imposes an additional burden on an already stressed health system facing multiple disease outbreaks. WHO and humanitarian actors are strained in their efforts to address the increasing needs due to severe funding shortages,”
He added: “Lack of access to safe drinking water, poor community hygiene practices and limited access to timely treatment further hinder efforts to prevent and control the disease."
Based on projected incidence carried out in September for the response period between October 2024 and March 2025, the cholera response in Yemen faces a funding gap of US$ 20 million.
WHO statement concluded that since the emergence of the latest cholera outbreak in March 2024, WHO has worked closely with the Ministry of Public Health and Population and the Ministry of Health and Environment through the UN multisectoral response plan to manage the outbreak.