Doctors Without Borders has stated that the increase in cases of acute watery diarrhea is putting the populations of the Yemeni governorates of Hodeidah and Ibb at risk.

In a statement released today, Wednesday, the organization noted that as Yemen continues to suffer from one of the world’s longest-running humanitarian crises, the recent surge in acute watery diarrhea cases in Ibb and Hodeidah has once again highlighted the fragility of the country’s healthcare system.

The organization confirmed that between April and August, it treated more than 4,705 patients, 81% of whom suffered from moderate to severe dehydration in Ibb governorate.

It explained that “with the start of the rainy season in mid-July, there was a sharp increase in cases, prompting Doctors Without Borders to double bed capacity at the center in Al-Qaida city from 50 to 100 beds, with bed occupancy rates ranging between 80 and 90 beds daily.”

In Hodeidah governorate, the organization indicated that Al-Zaidiyah Hospital treated 990 patients with acute watery diarrhea during the same period, reflecting the increasing burden on local health services and the importance of decentralized care.

The statement highlighted that financial barriers prevent many Yemenis from accessing healthcare.

The statement quoted Desma Maina, head of Doctors Without Borders mission in Yemen, saying: “While Doctors Without Borders continues to provide life-saving care and emergency response to acute watery diarrhea patients, we are deeply concerned about the increasing pressure on Yemen’s exhausted health system. Without sustained and adequate humanitarian aid, people will continue to face life-threatening barriers to accessing basic healthcare. Unfortunately, especially over the past year, humanitarian aid to Yemen has significantly decreased, and the gaps between needs and available services are continuously widening.”

The statement emphasized that with the rise in acute watery diarrhea cases and the acceleration of the rainy season spreading the infection, urgent action is needed, calling on humanitarian actors and donors to prioritize Yemen and increase funding and investment in sustainable solutions to strengthen the country’s health infrastructure.