Aden — The Dutch humanitarian organization Dorcas has launched a multi-sector emergency response program aimed at curbing the spread of cholera in Yemen, where waterborne diseases continue to threaten millions amid one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

In partnership with Yemen’s Ministries of Health and Water, Dorcas is implementing targeted interventions in the governorates of Taiz and Aden. The program focuses on restoring access to safe drinking water, promoting hygiene awareness, and strengthening local health infrastructure to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable communities.

According to Dorcas, over 72,000 cholera cases have been confirmed since 2024, with nearly 300 fatalities. The new initiative will deliver chlorinated water to nearly 146,000 residents in Taiz via water trucks, while equipping local authorities with sterilization and testing tools to improve water safety monitoring.

In Aden, the program will train 160 community health workers and deploy mobile medical teams to reach displaced populations. Hygiene education campaigns will cover personal hygiene, safe food handling, and menstrual health, supported by the distribution of hygiene kits to hundreds of families.

“Yemen’s health system is overwhelmed, and the risk of disease transmission is rising due to climate-related disasters and damaged infrastructure,” Dorcas stated. “This program is designed to reduce infection rates and build community resilience against future outbreaks.”

The initiative comes amid growing international concern over Yemen’s deteriorating public health conditions, with nearly 20 million people lacking access to basic healthcare and clean water.