Cholera Outbreak in Yemen 2016-2024

Yemen experienced its largest cholera outbreak from 2016 to 2022.

In March 2024, there were almost 20,000 cases of acute watery diarrhea reported from January to the end of March.

The case fatality rate for cholera cases reported from 14 to 31 March 2024 was 1.9%.

Food insecurity in Yemen is expected to peak before the main harvest season in October 2024.

By March 2024, only three governorates were reporting suspected cholera cases.

Cholera Outbreak in Yemen

Yemen experienced the largest reported cholera outbreak from 2016-2022, with over 2.5 million suspected cases and 4,000 deaths.
In late 2023, a cholera surge was declared in Shabwah governorate, spreading to other governorates.
The surge trend decreased until March 2024 after coordinated response efforts.
In March 2024, a significant increase in acute watery diarrhea (AWD)/cholera cases was observed in the northern governorates, reaching almost 20,000 cases between January and March.
Between March 14th and 31st, over 6,029 AWD/suspected cholera cases were reported, with 56 deaths, a case fatality rate of 0.9%.
Nearly half of the cases were clinically severe.
By the end of March 2024, an increase in AWD/suspected cholera cases was reported in the southern governorates, and all 22 governorates have been reporting cases.
In September 2024, needs are projected to peak before the main harvest season in October.
Emergency levels of food insecurity, (IPC Phase 4), are expected in areas controlled by the Sana’a-based authorities, due to the ongoing pause of assistance from the World Food Program (WFP) since December 2023.

Explore the timeline and impact of the cholera outbreak in Yemen from 2016 to 2024. This quiz covers the statistics, response efforts, and ongoing challenges related to the epidemic. Test your knowledge on the public health crisis and its implications.