WHO: Diphtheria epidemic killed over 72 civilians all over Yemen

YemenExtra

M.A.

The toll of the killed due to the diphtheria outbreak, greatly stimulated by the Saudi war on Yemen, has increased to 72 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday.

In a statement, the UN agency said some 1,193 suspected cases of diphtheria have been registered in 20 out of 23 governorates in Yemen.

Furthermore, Ibb and al-Hodeidah governorates in central and western Yemen are reportedly the hardest-hit by the diseases..

It is known that diphtheria spreads as rapidly as the common cold through sneezing, coughing or even talking, according to health officials.

Mainly affecting children, diphtheria can lead to devastating epidemics if left unchecked.

The ongoing war has stopped even basic services, including water and sanitation systems, prompting the UN to describe the situation in Yemen as one of “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis worldwide”.