SANA’A — The European Union has launched a humanitarian air bridge to deliver critical medical supplies to Yemen, aiming to curb the escalating cholera outbreak that has affected thousands across the war-torn country.

The operation, coordinated through the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), includes multiple cargo flights carrying antibiotics, intravenous fluids, water purification tablets, and cholera treatment kits. The first shipment arrived in Aden earlier this week, with additional deliveries scheduled for Sana’a and other high-risk governorates.

EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič stated, “This air bridge reflects the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Yemeni people in their fight against preventable diseases. Cholera is surging due to collapsing infrastructure and limited access to clean water—we must act swiftly.”

The medical aid will be distributed through UN agencies and local health partners, prioritizing areas with high infection rates such as Al Hudaydah, Taiz, Hajjah, and Ibb. Health workers on the ground have reported a sharp rise in suspected cases, particularly among children and displaced families.

Yemeni health authorities welcomed the EU initiative, calling it a “lifeline” amid dwindling resources and strained hospital capacity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also pledged technical support and surveillance assistance to help contain the outbreak.

The EU’s air bridge comes as part of a broader humanitarian package for Yemen, which includes funding for nutrition, sanitation, and emergency health services.