Ethiopia is grappling with ongoing malaria and cholera outbreaks, which have collectively led to 59 deaths as of February, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The country recorded 909,146 malaria cases, resulting in 34 deaths, with outbreaks spread across 1,173 districts, according to a health cluster bulletin report published on Monday March 24.
The cholera situation is also concerning, with 857 cases and 25 deaths reported primarily in the Gambella and Amhara regions. The cholera outbreak remains active across 16 districts, with a case fatality rate of 2.92%.
The WHO report outlined significant challenges in controlling the cholera outbreak, particularly due to shortages of water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies in affected areas. These shortages are hindering both treatment efforts and preventative measures, exacerbating the spread of the disease. The report also stressed that ongoing conflicts in various regions of Ethiopia continue to hinder public health efforts, trapping vulnerable populations in hard-to-reach areas, further complicating the delivery of aid and healthcare services.
In response to the cholera crisis, Ethiopia has undertaken a massive vaccination campaign, administering oral cholera vaccines to more than 10 million people as part of efforts to curb the disease’s spread. Despite these efforts, the health situation remains strained, with additional challenges posed by recent earthquakes in some regions, which have prompted further emergency health responses to address the growing needs.