Cholera outbreak remains severe as food security Emergency continues

Large populations in Yemen continue to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity, the latter of which is associated with increased acute malnutrition and an increased risk of excess mortality. Yemen continues to face a risk of Famine (IPC Phase 5) in a worst-case scenario in which conflict significantly disrupts or halts imports through the ports of Al Hudaydah and Salif, internal trade becomes significantly disrupted, and humanitarian assistance fails to reach populations most in need.

Large-scale humanitarian assistance continues to play an important role in reducing the severity of acute food insecurity outcomes in Yemen. Although needs remain higher than current assistance levels, WFP reached approximately 4.4 million people in May and 5.3 million people in June with rations meeting between 60 and 100 percent of beneficiaries’ monthly consumption needs. At current funding and assistance levels, WFP expects to continue providing assistance through October 2017. 

A major cholera outbreak continues in Yemen, with approximately 443,000 suspected cases identified and 1,921 deaths reported between April 27 and the end of July 2017. Appropriate response is needed to address the outbreak and mitigate the risk of increased mortality, particularly among populations facing both food consumption gaps and cholera.