Yemen: Cholera Outbreak - Mar 2024
Disaster description
Since mid-March 2024, Yemen has seen a dramatic surge in AWD cases, with 29 536 suspected cases reported by 25 April 2024. With heavy seasonal rains affecting already fragile water and sanitation systems, each day currently brings 500 to 1000 new cases, making the situation even more urgent. (WHO, 30 Jul 2024)
It has been six months since the latest outbreak began. As of 7 September 2024, data from the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP) reports a cumulative total of over 186,000 suspected cases of AWD/cholera across all 22 governorates in Yemen since mid-March. Reported associated deaths have reached more than 680. The highest caseloads have been reported the western highland governorates, with the latest data reporting hotspots in Ad Dhale’, Al Bayda, Al Hodeidah, Al Jawf, Amran, Hajjah, Marib and Raymah governorates. (WHO, 30 Sep 2024)
In January 2025, Yemen reported 6110 new cholera cases and four associated deaths, with a CFR of 0.1%. This represents a 42% decline in cases and a 75% decrease in deaths compared to December 2024. Despite the overall downward trend, over 1000 cases continue to be reported each week. (WHO, 20 Feb 2025)
From 1 January to 27 July 2025, a total of 58,097 cases and 1,163 associated fatalities were officially reported in Yemen. (WHO, 28 Aug 2025)
Between March 2024 and August 2025, more than 332,000 suspected cases and 1,073 associated deaths were reported across the country, with a case fatality rate of 0.32 per cent. The outbreak has affected more than 98 per cent of Yemen’s districts, with the governorates of Hajjah, Al Hodeidah, Taiz, Amran and Dhamar accounting for half of all reported cases. Key transmission drivers include contaminated water sources, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, food-borne exposure and migrant-related transmission. (OCHA, 18 Sep 2025)
In October 2025, the Eastern Mediterranean Region recorded 6,377 new cholera cases in Yemen, along with 12 cholera-related deaths. From 1 January to 26 October 2025, Yemen reported a total of 87,566 cholera cases and 237 deaths. (WHO, 26 Nov 2025)
The cholera continues to threaten millions across Yemen, which remains among the top three countries globally with the highest number of suspected cases in 2025. Since March 2024, a total of 339,371 suspected cholera cases and 1,102 deaths have been reported across 23 governorates, indicating a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.32 per cent, with a national attack rate exceeding 1 per cent, signifying widespread community-level transmissions. The continued spread is fuelled by lack of safe water and sanitation services, poor food hygiene practices, delays in seeking healthcare, and limited access to timely lifesaving treatment. (OCHA, 4 Jan 2026)
