Authorities in Yemen this week confirmed that an outbreak of cholera in that country had passed the 200,000 people affected mark, making it the world’s worst cholera crisis.
UNICEF has responded to Yemen’s unfolding cholera crisis by chartering an initial three planes to ensure the delivery of 36 tonnes of lifesaving medical and water purification supplies to Yemen.
These photographs, just in from the field, give a sense of the scale of the logistics operation.
Workers load supplies on trucks, Hudaidah City, Yemen
The supplies airlifted include 750,000 sachets of Oral Rehydration Salt – enough to treat 10,000 people; 10.5 million water purification tablets and other sanitation items.
Supplies at a warehouse, Hudaidah City, Yemen
In just two months, cholera has spread to almost every governorate of Yemen. Already more than 1,300 people have died – one quarter of them children.
Civil servants, including doctors, nurses, water engineers and rubbish collectors have not been paid for nearly 10 months.
A truck loaded with supplies sets off for Sana’a airport, from where it will be redistributed, Hudaidah City, Yemen
Since the outbreak was reported on 27 April, UNICEF has distributed over 600,000 ORS sachets and 20,000 Intravenous (IV) fluids to oral rehydration points and at homes.
Aircraft at Sana’a International Airport loaded with caption
With partners, UNICEF has supported the establishment of 488 oral rehydration therapy points and more than 20 Diarrhoea Treatment Centres across the country.
A plane stands ready on the tarmac at Sana’a airport, Yemen. Supplies are moved to a warehouse, for redistribution throughout the country.
