Aid groups fight to fight cholera in Yemen

Humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to prevent a new outbreak of devastating cholera in Yemen, as cases of this deadly disease continue to increase in this conflict-torn country.

Since the beginning of the year, the UN has reported more than 109,000 suspected cases of cholera, including nearly 200 deaths in Yemen. Children represent 27% of the total number of suspected cases.

The people and health workers in Yemen are still shocked by the ravages of the cholera epidemic that has ravaged the country in the past two years. The epidemic that erupted in April 2017 is the worst in history. It affected more than 1.2 million people and killed more than 2,500.

The World Health Organization reports that 239 districts in Yemen have reported suspected cases of cholera in the last four weeks. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic spoke of the many reasons for the outbreak.

"First, there may be a heightened awareness that leads to an increased willingness to seek care and testing. Monitoring has been improved, increasing sensitivity. Many affected districts do not have or do not have maintenance for sewage systems. Untreated sewage is used for irrigation in agriculture. The use of wastewater for crop fertilization. "

Jasarevic said the early arrival of the rainy season and large movements of internally displaced people would further increase the number of suspected cholera cases.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that can kill in hours if left untreated. It is caused by bacteria in contaminated food and water. Up to 80% of cases can be treated successfully with oral rehydration solution. Severe cases will require intravenous solutions and antibiotics.

The WHO and its partners are stepping up their operations to try to contain the spread of this deadly disease. They set up 413 diarrhea treatment centers and oral rehydration centers in 147 priority districts. They store supplies of water, sanitation and emergency hygiene. They say more than 400,000 people have received oral cholera vaccines in several districts.

The United Nations Children's Fund and WHO are calling for the lifting of all restrictions on their humanitarian operations. They say that they must have full access to all children, women and men in need of medical or other help, to end this epidemic.