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| Source: Reuters |
Philip Effiom Ephraim|2 August 2017
Yemen’s most vulnerable population – children, are increasingly in danger due to rapid spread of the second cholera outbreak which hit the country in April, 2017 NegroidHaven has learnt.
A report published by the World Health Organization WHO reveals shocking effects of the war on health. The report shows 1700 dead since April with a quarter being children. With over 200,000 recorded cases of infection, WHO estimates that the number of cases could increase to over 300,000 by the end of August.
Cholera – a highly contagious disease, spreads through the drinking of contaminated water or food. Water and food contaminated by bacteria from human faeces is most highly susceptible. The cholera outbreak comes against the backdrop of destruction of water and food sources in air strikes by Saudi forces fighting Houthi militia to restore the ousted government of President Mansour Hadi.
The volatile situation has hindered the transportation of food and medical supplies to regions hit by the outbreak. International aid organizations like OXFAM and UNICEF have continually called for an end to hostilities in other to save lives.
Philip Effiom Ephraim
is a freelance journalist, communication and media educator. He is keenly interested in global affairs and development issues. His research focuses on new media as tools for shaping new socio-political cultures and citizens’ empowerment in developing countries especially in Africa.
