2017 Yemen cholera outbreak

1. 2017 Yemen Cholera Outbreak

The 2017 Yemen cholera outbreak was a significant public health crisis that occurred in Yemen, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war and the resulting humanitarian disaster. The outbreak began in late 2016 and escalated in 2017, becoming one of the largest and fastest-spreading cholera outbreaks in modern history.

Background

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015, which has severely impacted the country's infrastructure, including its healthcare system. The conflict has led to widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a collapse of basic services, creating ideal conditions for the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera.

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. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities in Yemen significantly contributed to the outbreak.

The Outbreak

The cholera outbreak in Yemen was first reported in October 2016, but it surged in April 2017. By the end of 2017, over 1 million suspected cases had been reported, with more than 2,000 deaths attributed to the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations launched a massive response effort, but the ongoing conflict hindered their ability to deliver aid effectively.

Causes

The primary causes of the outbreak included:

• **Collapse of the healthcare system**: Many hospitals and clinics were destroyed or rendered non-functional due to the conflict.
• **Lack of clean water and sanitation**: The destruction of water infrastructure and poor sanitation practices facilitated the spread of the disease.
• **Malnutrition**: Widespread food insecurity weakened the population's immune systems, making them more susceptible to infection.

Response

The response to the outbreak involved multiple international organizations, including the WHO, UNICEF, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Efforts focused on:

• **Providing clean water and sanitation**: Establishing water purification systems and distributing hygiene kits.
• **Vaccination campaigns**: Although initially delayed, oral cholera vaccination campaigns were eventually conducted.
• **Treatment centers**: Setting up cholera treatment centers to provide rehydration therapy and antibiotics.

Impact

The cholera outbreak had a devastating impact on Yemen's population, already suffering from the effects of war. It highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in the country and the urgent need for international assistance and a resolution to the conflict.

Also see

• Yemen Civil War (2015–present)
• Cholera
• World Health Organization
• Humanitarian crisis