Yemen health system mangled as cholera bites: UN envoy

The United Nations’ Yemen envoy says more than seven million people are facing the risk of famine in the impoverished country, which has been under incessant Saudi attacks for more than two years.

The United Nations’ Yemen envoy says more than seven million people are facing the risk of famine in the impoverished country, which has been under incessant Saudi attacks for more than two years.

Speaking at an open session of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, special envoy of the UN secretary-general for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh warned against the prolongation of the conflict and said, “At the begging of the holy [fasting] month of Ramadan, we have to remember that seven million Yemenis are at risk of famine unless this conflict ends.”

He said only “less than 45 percent” of medical facilities in the country are functioning as a cholera epidemic takes its toll on the war-weary nation. 

The disease has led to more than 500 deaths, while there are over 60,000 suspected cases in 19 provinces, said Ahmed, adding, “The rapid spread of the disease has been worsened by the inadequate healthcare system.”