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Health Crisis in Amhara Region: Health Workers Report Deaths and Detentions Amid Ongoing Conflict
In the midst of the ongoing militarized conflict between government forces and Fano militias in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, the Amhara Region Health Professionals Association has reported a troubling situation for health workers. According to the Association’s Secretary, Tesfa Mekonnen, four health professionals have lost their lives, and several others have been detained.
The recent casualties include two pharmacists in the West and North Gojjam zones, who lost their lives in the past two weeks. Additionally, a nurse in Bahir Dar city was injured by gunshot from “unidentified armed individuals” while on duty. The Association has also highlighted restrictions on the professional freedom of health workers and reported multiple arrests, releases, and physical assaults.
A previous human rights assessment report presented at the Amhara Region Higher Education Institutions Forum revealed that over 1,100 health professionals have been displaced from their posts in the region. The report, which involved contributions from governmental and non-governmental organizations, also mentioned fatalities among health workers, although specific numbers were not provided. Furthermore, the assessment noted disruptions to medical supply chains and ambulance services across the region due to the ongoing conflict.
The situation in the Amhara region highlights the challenges faced by health professionals amidst the conflict, as they risk their lives to continue providing essential services to the community. The alarming reports of deaths, detentions, and displacement of health workers underscore the urgent need for peace and stability in the region to ensure the safety and well-being of those on the front lines of healthcare.
For more information on the current situation in the Amhara region, visit the Amhara Region Health Professionals Association’s official website.
