Ethiopia’s Ongoing Conflict Spurs Alarming Surge in Malaria Deaths

The ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Oromia region is leading to a sharp increase in malaria deaths, as families face devastating losses due to a lack of treatment and healthcare disruption. The World Health Organization reports that malaria cases have doubled this year, with Oromia seeing the most significant impact. The situation is worsened by climate change and a freeze in U.S. aid funding, raising concerns for the future. Lema Tefera’s tragic experience highlights the personal toll of this crisis.

Malaria deaths are on the rise in Ethiopia, particularly in the Oromia region due to ongoing conflict. Lema Tefera, a bereaved father, detailed the heartbreaking loss of four of his children within a month due to a lack of treatment stemming from the violence that has gripped the area. Without access to necessary medications, families are facing catastrophic losses.

The World Health Organization highlights that Africa accounts for about 95 percent of the 250 million malaria cases and over 600,000 deaths annually. The crisis in Oromia escalates as the violent conflict between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army, ongoing since 2018, disrupts healthcare services significantly. This turmoil, compounded by climate change, has led to soaring malaria fatalities.

In Ethiopia, the malaria epidemic worsened dramatically, with 7.3 million cases and 1,157 deaths recorded between January and October 2023. This data indicates a doubling of malaria cases since the previous year, with Oromia responsible for nearly half of those figures. The region’s healthcare system is overwhelmed, and the distribution of anti-malarial drugs has been severely interrupted.

Healthcare professionals report alarming increases in malaria cases, with Nejo General Hospital recording malaria as the cause of 70 percent of patients treated in 2023-2024. This marks a significant rise from previous years. Factors such as climate change are creating conditions conducive to malaria, with experts noting persistent transmission even during typically dry periods.

As 2024 approaches, the situation in Ethiopia continues to worsen. Doctors Without Borders have expressed concern over the unprecedented number of malaria cases, likely exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and rising temperatures. The impending rainy season may lead to further complications, with the healthcare community facing additional challenges due to sudden U.S. funding cuts for aid.

Lema Tefera’s sorrow embodies the wider tragedy, as he struggles to cope with the loss of his children and the impact on his livelihood. The brutal effects of the conflict and health crisis leave families in despair, with many reliant on relatives for support as they navigate overwhelming grief.

The complex interplay of conflict, deteriorating healthcare infrastructure, and climate change has resulted in a significant rise in malaria deaths in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. Personal tragedies underscore the broader humanitarian crisis, with families suffering devastating losses. As the situation worsens, urgent attention is needed to address both the healthcare needs and the underlying conditions contributing to this severe public health emergency.

Original Source: newscentral.africa