Renewed Conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray Threatens Collapse of Healthcare System

POLICY WIRE — Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Despite the official end of the Tigray War in 2022, violence targeting healthcare services in Ethiopia’s Tigray region has persisted, according to recent research. The study highlights a series of attacks on health workers, ambulances, and health facilities, which have been forcibly taken over by armed groups.

The ongoing violence has exacerbated the region’s healthcare crisis, which was already severely compromised by the conflict. Health facilities have been looted, medical supplies have been stolen, and healthcare workers have been intimidated and attacked. This has led to a significant reduction in the availability and quality of healthcare services for the local population.

Dr. Alemtsehay Tekle, a local healthcare provider, reported, “The situation is dire. We are constantly under threat, and our ability to provide care is severely limited. Many of our colleagues have been forced to flee, and those who remain are working in extremely dangerous conditions.”

The research, conducted by an independent team of experts, calls for immediate international action to protect healthcare services in Tigray. The authors stress that without urgent intervention, the region’s healthcare system could collapse entirely, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe.

The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern over the findings. A UN spokesperson stated, “We are deeply troubled by the continued attacks on healthcare in Tigray. This is a violation of international law and a grave threat to the well-being of the population. We urge all parties to the conflict to respect the neutrality of healthcare services and to allow safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.”

The Ethiopian government has been criticized for its response to the crisis. Human rights groups allege that government forces and allied militias have been involved in some of the attacks on healthcare facilities. The government denies these allegations and claims that it is doing everything possible to protect healthcare services.

The situation in Tigray underscores the broader challenges facing healthcare systems in conflict zones. As the region struggles to recover from the war, the international community must step up its efforts to support and protect healthcare services. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for the people of Tigray.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)