Aden – Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF) has raised alarm over a significant increase in cases of acute watery diarrhoea in Yemen’s Ibb and Al-Hodeidah governorates, underscoring the fragility of the country’s healthcare system and the urgent need for expanded humanitarian support.

According to MSF, Ibb, treated more than 4,700 patients between April and August 2025, with 81% suffering from moderate to severe dehydration. The onset of the rainy season in mid-July triggered a sharp spike in cases, prompting MSF to double its bed capacity from 50 to 100 beds to meet the growing demand.

In Al-Hodeidah, similar surges have been reported, placing additional strain on already overstretched medical facilities. MSF emphasized that many patients are traveling long distances to access care, often from remote districts with limited infrastructure.

“This outbreak is a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by Yemenis, especially children and vulnerable families,” said Shinjiro Murata, MSF’s Head of Mission in Yemen. “We are deeply concerned that without urgent support, the disease could spread further and overwhelm local health systems”.

MSF is calling for stronger coordination between humanitarian actors and local authorities to contain the outbreak and ensure timely access to treatment. The organization continues to operate diarrhoea treatment centres and support hospitals across 11 governorates in Yemen, despite challenges posed by conflict, funding gaps, and deteriorating infrastructure.