Conflict and Climate Change Intensify Malaria Crisis in Ethiopia

The ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Oromia region has significantly increased malaria mortality, as described by Lema Tefera, who lost four children to the illness. The World Health Organization indicates that nearly half of Ethiopia’s malaria cases occur in Oromia, driven by disrupted health services and worsening climate conditions. Experts warn that without immediate assistance, the situation could deteriorate further, especially with U.S. aid funding cuts exacerbating the crisis.

In Ethiopia’s Oromia region, conflict has dramatically increased malaria-related deaths, with Lema Tefera recounting the tragic loss of four children to the disease within a month. He attributes this calamity to the lack of accessible malaria treatment due to ongoing violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Africa suffers approximately 95 percent of 250 million annual malaria cases, leading to over 600,000 deaths worldwide.

The continuing conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) since 2018 has severely obstructed health services, exacerbating malaria’s deadly impact. Experts describe the escalating crisis as a result of a “perfect storm” combining climate change and armed violence, which is particularly perilous for subsistence farmers like Lema, who had to confront an unprecedented health crisis.

Data from WHO indicates Ethiopia recorded around 7.3 million malaria cases and 1,157 deaths between January and October last year, with these numbers anticipated to rise. Oromia alone is responsible for nearly half of these statistics, underscoring the devastating effect of the conflict on health infrastructure, as noted by Gemechu Biftu of the Oromia Physicians Association.

Doctors report that malaria accounts for an overwhelming percentage of patients at local health facilities, with the Nejo General Hospital recording a dramatic increase in cases. Long-term conflict has led to disrupted supply chains for anti-malarial medications. Furthermore, climatic changes have contributed to fostering environments that promote the replication of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, extending the disease’s reach into new territories.

Rachelle Seguin from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) states that 2024 may witness unprecedented levels of malaria cases within Ethiopia. The combination of rising temperatures and prolonged conflict poses a significant threat as the rainy season approaches, potentially exacerbating the crisis. The recent freeze on U.S. aid funding, once critical to malaria control, further complicates the situation, as explained by Oromia-based physician Nuredin Luke.

In the remote village of Lalistu Lophi, Lema remains crushed by grief, unable to pursue farming and reliant on relatives for support. He expresses profound sadness regarding his losses, illustrating the personal and communal toll exacted by this preventable disease amid conflict and climatic changes.

The intertwined crises of armed conflict and climate change have led to a dramatic increase in malaria cases and deaths in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. As communities like Lema’s face this dual threat, the disruption of healthcare and funding challenges exacerbate the suffering. Without adequate resources and a resolution to the conflict, the outlook for malaria control remains grim, highlighting the urgent need for international support and intervention.

Original Source: www.malaymail.com

About Allegra Nguyen

Allegra Nguyen is an accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience reporting for leading news outlets. She began her career covering local politics and quickly expanded her expertise to international affairs. Allegra has a keen eye for investigative reporting and has received numerous accolades for her dedication to uncovering the truth. With a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, she blends rigorous research with compelling storytelling to engage her audience.

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