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In recent months, Ethiopia has been facing a multitude of health crises, with outbreaks of cholera, measles, and malaria taking a devastating toll on the population. According to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the country has seen a surge in cases of these diseases, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions.
The cholera outbreak, which began in August 2022, is now the longest recorded in Ethiopia’s history, with a worrying third wave currently underway. Measles cases are also on the rise, exacerbated by low immunization coverage and a lack of awareness about vaccination among caregivers.
The situation is further complicated by conflicts causing population displacement and limited access to healthcare in some areas. A recent report by Addis Standard highlighted the tragic consequences of these outbreaks, with at least 15 deaths attributed to measles in the Amhara region, worsened by an ongoing drought.
Malaria cases have reached a seven-year high, with disruptions in mosquito breeding patterns due to droughts and floods. In recent weeks, at least eleven individuals, including children, succumbed to malaria in the Oromia region, with a concerning number of cases exceeding 57,000 in just one week.
The Amhara region also reported over 1.2 million malaria cases in the last eleven months, underscoring the severity of the situation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed an upward trend in malaria cases, with a tragic toll of 314 fatalities recorded between January and May 2024.
With these health emergencies continuing to plague Ethiopia, urgent action and support are needed to address the escalating crisis and prevent further loss of life.
