The recent cholera outbreak of an unprecedented scale has resulted in more than 100,000 suspected cases, 789 associated deaths, and is threatening the lives of an estimated 1.1 million malnourished pregnant women. This rapid spread of the disease in 19 governorates is a manifestation of the dire humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen where more than half of all health facilities no longer function due to conflict. Health and sanitation workers have not been paid for over eight months, only 30 per cent of required medical supplies are being imported into the country, and more than eight million people lack access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation.

Humanitarian partners have developed an integrated response plan to contain and prevent the further spread of cholera, seeking $66.7 million. As of 30 May, the 2017 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan is 23 per cent funded, with the Health Cluster funded at 13 per cent.