Taiz Deputy Governor for Health Affairs to “Yemen Monitor”: Entry of Cholera-Contaminated Vegetables Banned
Yemen Monitor / Taiz / Exclusive:
The Deputy Governor of Taiz for Health Affairs, Dr. Ilan Abdelhaq, has announced a series of precautionary measures to prevent vegetables contaminated with cholera bacteria from entering the city.
In a statement to “Yemen Monitor,” Dr. Abdelhaq confirmed that any shipments proven to be contaminated via central laboratory testing will be banned from entry or subjected to immediate sterilization processes at the crossing.
She explained that a specialized sterilization team is being prepared at the city’s eastern entrance. Additionally, the Governor’s Health Office has been directed to form a team to use chlorine spray for disinfecting vegetables in markets and at entry points, as part of efforts to curb the spread of infection and bolster public health safety.
Recent laboratory results on samples of vegetables and legumes arriving at the Taiz wholesale market revealed the presence of cholera pathogens. This follows the circulation of video clips showing farms being irrigated with wastewater.
According to a post by lawyer Omar al-Himyari, a local association submitted an official request to the Industry Prosecution to conduct tests immediately upon the samples’ arrival at the market, identifying the source of each shipment to ensure its safety.
Al-Himyari explained that in cooperation with the Public Works Office, the Environmental Health Department, and the Central Laboratory, analyses showed that several samples contained contaminants linked to irrigation with sewage water.
The association noted that additional, more sensitive tests have not yet been conducted, expressing hope that the necessary resources will be provided to perform these analyses at the governorate’s official laboratory to ensure a full assessment of potential health risks.
In light of these results, the association submitted a recommendation to the Governor of Taiz, requesting that the eastern crossing be tasked with blocking the entry of infected produce and taking urgent preventative action.
