2016–2021 Yemen cholera outbreak

2016–2021 Yemen cholera outbreak
Scanning electron microscope image of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera
Disease	Cholera
Location	Yemen
First outbreak	October 2016
Confirmed cases	2.5 million (as of 2021)
Deaths	4,000 (as of 2021)

The 2016–2021 Yemen cholera outbreak was one of the largest and most severe cholera outbreaks in recent history, affecting millions of people in Yemen. The outbreak began in October 2016 and continued until 2021, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war and the resulting humanitarian crisis.

Background

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, which has led to the collapse of the country's infrastructure, including its healthcare system. The war has caused widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a lack of access to clean water and sanitation, creating ideal conditions for the spread of cholera.

Cholera in Yemen

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is typically spread through contaminated water and food. In Yemen, the breakdown of sanitation systems and the contamination of water supplies due to the conflict have been major factors in the spread of the disease.

Timeline of the Outbreak

The outbreak was first reported in October 2016. By the end of 2016, thousands of cases had been reported. The situation worsened in 2017, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it the worst cholera outbreak in modern history. By 2018, the number of suspected cases had reached over 1 million.

Efforts to control the outbreak were hampered by the ongoing conflict, which restricted access to affected areas and limited the delivery of medical supplies and humanitarian aid. Despite these challenges, international organizations, including the WHO and UNICEF, worked to provide treatment and improve water and sanitation infrastructure.

The outbreak continued into 2021, with over 2.5 million suspected cases and approximately 4,000 deaths reported by the end of the outbreak.

Response and Challenges

The response to the cholera outbreak in Yemen involved multiple international and local organizations. Efforts focused on providing oral rehydration solutions, establishing treatment centers, and improving water and sanitation facilities. Vaccination campaigns were also conducted in some areas.

However, the response faced significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict, which made it difficult to reach affected populations and deliver aid. The destruction of infrastructure and the blockade of ports further complicated relief efforts.

Impact

The cholera outbreak had a devastating impact on Yemen's population, particularly children, who are more vulnerable to the disease. The outbreak highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen and the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict to prevent further public health crises.

Also see

• Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)
• Cholera
• World Health Organization
• UNICEF
• Public health