WHO Reports Over 4,800 Cholera Cases in Yemen

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 4,800 new suspected cases of cholera and acute watery diarrhea (AWD) in Yemen during the first five months of this year, with seven fatalities.

According to a recent global epidemiological update, 4,814 new suspected cases were recorded in Yemen between January 1 and May 31, 2026. The report further indicated that seven deaths were attributed to the outbreak during the same period.

The WHO noted that all reported cases from the last week of April (Week 18) were concentrated in areas under the control of the internationally recognized Yemeni government (IRG). Data from Houthi-controlled regions remains unavailable due to ongoing access restrictions.

In May alone, health authorities in government-controlled areas reported 589 new suspected cholera and AWD cases, including one death.

Last year, the UN agency documented 93,496 suspected cholera and AWD cases across Yemen, resulting in 248 deaths. The WHO's report also stated that the cumulative number of suspected cholera and AWD cases reported during the reporting period reached 114,829 across 23 countries, with a total of 1,318 fatalities.