18 March 2025, Aden, Yemen – As of 1 December, Yemen had reported over 249 900 suspected cases of cholera, with 861 associated deaths, since the start of 2024, accounting for 35% of the global cholera burden and 18% of reported mortality.
Cholera remains a major health threat in Yemen, economic hardship and crumbling infrastructure. Caused by contaminated water and poor sanitation, the disease continues to claim lives, particularly among children.
In May 2024, with US$ 3 million in funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), lifesaving interventions were launched to reduce illness and prevent further spread.
Health facilities like Al-Mualla Diarrhoea Treatment Centre (DTC) in Aden Governorate have become critical actors in the battle against cholera, offering free-of-charge, timely care to vulnerable communities.
For Rami Ibrahim Omar Hassan, a 28-year-old father from Aden, support came just in time. Life for his family of 7 was already a daily struggle when his two young daughters, aged 10 and 6, suddenly fell ill with severe diarrhoea and vomiting. The situation escalated quickly, with both girls experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea up to 3 times a day.
“I was very afraid for my daughters,” Rami says. “The lives of our children are precious, and I couldn’t bear to think of losing them.”
With only 3000 Yemeni Riyals in his pocket Rami acted quickly, hiring a private car to Al-Mualla Centre after it was recommended by neighbours.
The girls received immediate treatment at the centre, including intravenous fluids and essential medicines made possible through KSrelief funding. While treatment outside the centre remains costly, Al-Mualla provides free-of-charge care.
The medical staff treated the girls and gave the family guidance to prevent future infections. “They explained the importance of hygiene, keeping the house clean, maintaining personal hygiene and acting quickly at the first sign of illness to avoid complications and prevent the sickness spreading,” explains Rami.
For health staff, seeing patients recover is deeply rewarding. Ansam Farah Ramadan, Head of the Nursing Department at the Centre, describes these moments: “Watching patients recover, especially those who arrive in such a critical state, is indescribable. It is like seeing a loved one brought back to life.”
Rami’s daughters are now on the path to recovery. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of how timely care can mean the difference between life and loss.
Since the launch of the KSrelief-funded project, 250 beneficiaries have received treatment, of whom 178 (71%), experiencing moderate to severe dehydration, were admitted for lifesaving care at Al-Mualla Centre between 1 November and 18 December 2024.
KSrelief support to DTCs includes essential medicines and medical supplies, training and supervision of health workers, and incentives for staff working 24/7. This vital support ensures that those affected by cholera can access timely care, preventing further suffering and saving lives.