In 2023, we delivered vital support in 10 regions of Ethiopia. However, insecurity and administrative barriers complicated humanitarian access in many parts of the country, affecting more than 20 million people in need of assistance*.

In Gambella, we provided general and specialised health services, focusing on improving quality of care for refugees from neighbouring South Sudan and the wider community. We also responded to a measles outbreak in the region, providing treatment and supporting a Ministry of Health vaccination campaign.

In Somali region, we carried out emergency activities to address high levels of malnutrition and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and cholera, and offered assistance to displaced people.

In Afar, we ran a treatment centre for patients with severe and complicated malnutrition, and supported the paediatric department of Dupti hospital. We also responded to a cholera outbreak in the region.

In South Ethiopia and Southwest Ethiopia Peoples’ regions, we ran mobile clinics and provided care for malaria and measles, as well as kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis), a neglected tropical disease, for which there is insufficient treatment, due to a lack of profitability.

In Amhara, where conflict is driving a surge in needs, we donated medical supplies and offered treatment for snakebites and kala azar. In addition, we responded to a cholera outbreak in a camp hosting Sudanese refugees, by providing water and sanitation.

In Tigray, we provided paediatric, maternal and malnutrition care, mental health support, and treatment for sexual and gender-based violence. We sent mobile clinics to hard-to-reach areas, and ensured access to clean water by repairing 600 water pumps in the region.

In Oromia, we responded to a cholera outbreak and donated medical supplies.

Calling for accountability for the death of our colleagues

On 24 June 2021, our colleagues María Hernández Matas, Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael and Yohannes Halefom Reda were brutally and intentionally killed, while clearly identified as humanitarian workers, in Tigray. After extensive engagement with the Ethiopian authorities, we still do not have any credible answers regarding what happened to our colleagues. MSF will keep pursuing accountability for this incident, with the hope that this will help improve the safety of humanitarian workers in Ethiopia.

*OCHA: Ethiopia – Situation Report, 1 Feb 2024:
https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/ethiopia/ethiopia-situation-report-1-feb-2024