Cholera Outbreak in Yemen 2016-2024

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.