Escalating HIV Crisis in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Post-War
The Tigray region of Ethiopia is witnessing a surge in HIV rates following a devastating war and destruction of healthcare services. The HIV prevalence has doubled to 3%, with displaced populations and sexual violence survivors particularly affected. U.S. aid reductions exacerbate the crisis, while the region grapples with rising infectious diseases and a politically unstable environment that threatens recovery efforts.
The Tigray region of Ethiopia, once a model for HIV prevention with a prevalence rate of 1.4%, is now facing a devastating crisis following a brutal war that erupted in 2020 between the Ethiopian government and Tigray fighters. The conflict has led to widespread sexual violence and destruction of health infrastructure, doubling the HIV rate to 3%. Among the displaced population, the prevalence rate reaches 5.5%, while survivors of sexual violence face an alarming rate of 8.6%.
The war, accompanied by severe famine and healthcare dismantlement, has resulted in only 17% of health facilities remaining operational. Consequently, a staggering 90% of sexual violence survivors lack access to timely medical care, significantly hindering their ability to receive necessary treatments, including prophylaxis for HIV.
In addition to the HIV crisis, other infectious diseases are surging due to interrupted health services, exacerbated by climate change and reduced funding. Notably, malaria cases have skyrocketed from 900,000 in 2019 to over 10 million in recent years. Measles cases also surged, reflecting a broader public health crisis in the region.
Furthermore, U.S. aid cuts, notably an 83% reduction in programs by the Trump administration, have severely impacted the delivery of healthcare services. Thousands of health workers have been laid off, and critical charitable organizations providing HIV assistance have faced operational halts.
Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, efforts to rebuild are hindered by political instability in Tigray and financial constraints, limiting essential resources and care for the region’s health needs. Health officials prioritize the restoration of community-based health insurance systems historically pivotal to the region’s healthcare framework.
Challenges persist as Tigray remains in a state of emergency, struggling to recuperate from both the direct impacts of war and the ongoing ramifications on health management, community resources, and public health infrastructure.
The HIV crisis in Tigray has escalated dramatically post-conflict, with rates rising sharply amidst the destruction of health facilities and support systems. The region is now facing compounded challenges of rising infectious diseases, healthcare funding cuts, and political instability. Urgent collective efforts are needed to rebuild its health systems and provide comprehensive care, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
Original Source: apnews.com
