KUWAIT: Head of ICRC's delegation in the Gulf Cooperation Council Yahya Alibi speaks during an interview. - KUNA

KUWAIT: Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross' (ICRC) delegation in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Yahya Alibi said the cholera outbreak is rapidly spreading in Yemen. Alibi noted during an interview that more than 300,000 people were infected with cholera in Yemen, a burgeoning health crisis adding to the war, due to poor health services and difficulty in delivering medicines.

 

He added that the best way to help is through donation to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) because it can reach places in need of help in Yemen in cooperation with the ICRC, as well as through the UN offices.

 

Alibi said that cholera has spread to 20 of Yemen's 22 governorates, and that infrastructure and hospitals are unable to accommodate this number of patients. He added that through cooperation with KRCS, aid was provided to all health centers in Yemen and tons of chlorine tablets were distributed for purifying water supplies.

 

He said that one of the most difficult challenges is the ongoing war in Yemen, as it is difficult to reach some affected areas, adding that Sanaa, Hadidah, Amran and Hajja are the most affected cities. Alibi noted that the ICRC is currently supporting 11 health centers in the worst affected provinces by improving hygiene and sanitation conditions, as well as providing the necessary medical supplies. - KUNA