Oxfam warned of the alarming rise in the number of cholera cases recorded in Yemen in recent weeks, noting that it threatens to turn into an epidemic, if rapid measures are not taken.

The organization stated that recent weeks have witnessed the recording of cases of cholera in six governorates in southern and eastern Yemen, as well as in two governorates in the north. From October 2 to December 3, 1,336 suspected cases and 11 associated deaths were reported in the south of the country, noting that the lack of reports suggests that the actual numbers may be much higher.

According to the organization, the cases have raised fears of a possible return to levels of cholera that Yemen has not seen since the 2016-2021 epidemic, when 2.5 million cases and 4,000 related deaths were recorded. In 2019, 93% of all cholera cases in the world were recorded in Yemen.

By 2021, the number of cases had declined significantly, thanks in large part to a successful vaccination programme. But lack of funding, especially regarding vaccine provision, threatens to undo this good work.

The organization stated that 20 million Yemenis need health assistance, especially since funding for the health sector decreased to 40% during nine years of war. Half of the health facilities in Yemen were destroyed, while about 50% of health facilities are either partially working or not working due to... Lack of staff, funding and energy, as well as shortages of medicine, supplies and equipment.

In the governorates of Hadramaut, Al-Mahra, and the Socotra Archipelago, more than 18,000 families were recently affected by floods caused by Cyclone Tej, causing severe damage to health and sanitation infrastructure, as well as people’s homes and livelihoods, according to the organization.

Oxfam called on the international community to provide adequate funding for life-saving aid, especially for health, resilience and livelihood programmes, and to increase efforts to negotiate a lasting and comprehensive peace in Yemen.