Sana'a - Yemen is grappling with a renewed and alarming outbreak of acute watery diarrhea (AWD), including cholera, as the country’s fragile healthcare system edges closer to total collapse. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 18,000 suspected cases of cholera have been reported since the beginning of 2025, with a sharp spike in infections recorded in May.

The outbreak comes amid a broader humanitarian crisis that has left more than 19.5 million people in need of life-saving health assistance. 

Years of protracted conflict have decimated Yemen’s health infrastructure, rendering nearly half of all medical facilities either non-functional or only partially operational.

Health officials warn that the resurgence of cholera—an entirely preventable disease—reflects the dire state of public health in Yemen. 

“The lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and widespread malnutrition are fueling this outbreak,” said a WHO representative. “Without urgent international support, we risk a repeat of the catastrophic 2017–2020 epidemic.”

The crisis is compounded by severe funding shortages. As of mid-2025, only 14% of the health sector’s needs and just over 7% of water and sanitation requirements have been met. This shortfall has forced the closure of dozens of treatment centers, leaving millions without access to basic care.

International aid agencies, including the International Rescue Committee (IRC), have issued urgent appeals for funding to prevent further deterioration. “Cholera remains a ticking time bomb in Yemen,” said Dr. Amr Saleh, IRC’s Senior Emergency Health Officer. “We’ve seen firsthand how timely intervention can save lives—but without sustained support, those gains will be lost.”

As the rainy season approaches, health experts fear the outbreak could escalate further, overwhelming an already crippled system. The WHO has called for immediate and coordinated action, including the restoration of health services, expanded vaccination campaigns, and improved access to clean water.

Yemen’s cholera crisis is not just a health emergency—it is a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged conflict and neglect. Without decisive intervention, the country risks plunging deeper into a preventable public health catastrophe.