Statement Attributable to Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director, on the Spread of Cholera in Yemen

NEW YORK (May 30, 2017) – “As the UN Security Council yet again holds consultations on the situation in Yemen, UNICEF is reporting an unprecedented increase in the number of suspected cholera cases across the country, many of those affected are children.

“In the past four weeks alone, 55,200 cholera cases were reported.

“Yemen has one of the world’s highest number of acutely malnourished children. Public services are on the brink of collapse.

“More and more children die every day in Yemen from preventable causes like malnutrition and cholera. Time is running out.

“Anyone with a heart for children cannot let the situation in Yemen continue!

“Stop the conflict in Yemen. Take action for children now!”

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org