Local Editor
UNICEF on Tuesday stated that military action jeopardizes efforts to prevent cholera outbreak in Yemen.
“Yemen continues to be one of the world’s most water-scarce countries. Access to drinking water is extremely costly for the most vulnerable people: 8.6 million children in Yemen don’t have sufficient access to water, sanitation and hygiene services,” Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa said.
He added that “since 2015, the escalation of conflict has only exacerbated this already dire situation, with attacks and military action on and around water infrastructure cutting off even more people from access to safe drinking water.”
“Access to clean water is especially critical to prevent waterborne diseases from spreading further in the war-torn country. Last year, Yemen had the biggest outbreak of cholera/acute watery diarrhea in the world and the likelihood of another outbreak looms if access to water continues to be jeopardized,” Cappelaere added.
In his statement, the UN official said “UNICEF is calling on all parties to the conflict wherever they are in Yemen and those who have influence over them to protect basic civilian infrastructure. In line with international humanitarian law, all parties to the conflict should immediately stop attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure as well as any military activities near or from these facilities including schools, hospitals, water facilities, and keep children out of harm’s way.”
Source: News Agencies, Edited by Website Team
