Sana’a  – Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF) has raised serious concerns over a sharp rise in cases of acute watery diarrhea in the western Yemeni governorates of Hodeidah and Hajjah, reporting a staggering increase of more than 60 percent within just one week.

In a statement released Tuesday, MSF teams operating in both regions described the spike as “deeply troubling,” warning that the surge could signal the onset of a wider outbreak if not urgently addressed. The organization cited deteriorating sanitation conditions, limited access to clean water, and the collapse of public health infrastructure as key drivers behind the escalation.

“Our medical facilities in Hodeidah and Hajjah have been overwhelmed by the sudden influx of patients suffering from acute watery diarrhea,” said an MSF field coordinator. “This rapid increase is not only alarming—it’s a clear indicator of systemic vulnerability and the urgent need for coordinated public health interventions.”

MSF called on humanitarian actors and health authorities to intensify surveillance, expand treatment capacity, and prioritize water and sanitation programs to curb the spread of disease. The organization also emphasized the importance of community outreach to raise awareness about hygiene practices and early symptoms.

Yemen has faced recurrent outbreaks of waterborne diseases in recent years, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, displacement, and the collapse of basic services. Health experts warn that without swift action, the current surge could evolve into a cholera outbreak, posing a grave threat to already vulnerable populations.