The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced on Tuesday, August 27th, that 668 people have died from cholera in Yemen, with over 172,000 suspected cases reported since the beginning of 2024.

UNICEF stated that "from the beginning of 2024 to August 18th, over 172,023 cases of acute watery diarrhea and suspected cholera have been reported in Yemen, with 668 associated deaths according to Ministry of Health data."

The organization added in a statement that "an average of over 1,500 cases have been reported daily over the past few weeks."

While noting that the number of cases is significantly lower than the previous outbreak between 2016 and 2021, which saw over 2.5 million suspected cases and 4,000 deaths, UNICEF expressed concern about a potential deterioration of the situation during the current rainy season in the country.

The organization highlighted that "people living in areas with limited access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services, and sewage systems, such as displacement camps, are most vulnerable to the disease."

The statement warned that "a cholera outbreak, coupled with flooding during the rainy season, could further deteriorate the already fragile health system and impact the most vulnerable individuals."

"This could particularly affect young children who are already suffering from malnutrition, food insecurity, poverty, and displacement amidst the protracted conflict that has devastated the country's economy and essential social services," according to the statement.

On July 10th, the Yemeni government announced a 70% reduction in international funding for the health sector.

For over two years, Yemen has experienced a lull in the war that began nearly 10 years ago between forces loyal to the legitimate government and forces of the Houthi group, which has controlled governorates and cities, including the capital Sana'a, since September 21st, 2014.

The war has devastated most sectors in Yemen, particularly the health sector, leading to one of the most catastrophic humanitarian crises in the world, according to the United Nations.