Surging cholera outbreak in Houthi-controlled areas

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of an alarming resurgence of cholera cases in Houthi-held territories in the north of Yemen, with the number of recorded cases nearing 100,000.

Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) forecasted a heightened risk of flooding during Yemen's rainy season, which runs until September.

In its Health Cluster Bulletin, WHO said the cholera outbreak continues in Yemen covering most of the country.

It said 112,583 suspected cholera cases have been reported in the Yemeni governorates since the beginning of this year.

Most cases were recorded in Houthi-controlled areas, accounting for 83% of the total cases compared to 17% in governorates under the internationally-recognized government.

The Yemeni government, in cooperation with the UN, continues the fight against cholera and to open cholera treatment centers.

In return, the Houthis ban child vaccination campaigns, hide the number of cholera cases and deaths in the areas under their control, while the militias’ media outlets and mosques continue to warn against vaccines, describing them as Western conspiracies.

The lack of vaccination campaigns in Houthi-controlled areas have caused the resurgence of many diseases, including polio, years after Yemen was announced free of the pandemic.