Disruptions to medical supply chains bound for several African countries are threatening disease control efforts, including cholera response programs, amid logistical challenges linked to the war in the Middle East, according to warnings from United Nations agencies and international organizations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted supply routes connected to the Gulf region, forcing shipments to take longer and more costly alternative routes and delaying the delivery of medical supplies to key transit hubs.

The agency warned that the situation is placing increasing pressure on humanitarian response operations and limiting the ability to deliver aid on time to affected areas.