HIV Crisis Deepens in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Post-Conflict

The HIV prevalence in Ethiopia’s Tigray region has surged to 3% since the war began in 2020, doubling from its prewar rate of 1.4%. The conflict caused extensive destruction of healthcare infrastructure and increased sexual violence, exacerbating the situation. U.S. aid cuts further hinder recovery efforts, leaving many vulnerable to HIV and other infectious diseases.

The Tigray region of Ethiopia, once a benchmark in combating HIV, has seen a surging infection rate since the onset of war in 2020. Initially, awareness campaigns had reduced the HIV prevalence to 1.4%. However, conflict has caused this rate to double, and the healthcare system has been largely decimated, leaving a dire situation for those affected.

Victims of sexual violence during the war face heightened risks of HIV infection. One such survivor detailed her harrowing experience of being raped multiple times, leading to her diagnosis. Despite her resilience, she struggles to obtain the necessary antiretroviral medications, sometimes resorting to selling food for treatment. The stability and support she once had have deteriorated significantly.

Prior to the conflict, Tigray had established a functioning health system with 83% of its centers operational. The war led to widespread violence and destruction, affecting approximately 10% of women aged 15 to 49 in the region. The systematic collapse of healthcare infrastructure resulted in 90% of sexual violence survivors not receiving timely medical assistance, exacerbating the HIV crisis in the aftermath.

As of now, local health authorities report that Tigray’s HIV prevalence has surged to 3%, with displaced individuals facing an even higher rate of 5.5%. Survivors of sexual violence specifically noted an 8.6% infection rate. Amanuel Haile, Tigray’s health bureau chief, lamented the extensive damage inflicted on healthcare during the conflict, which has severely disrupted HIV care.

The U.S. Agency for International Development cuts have further hampered the recovery efforts. The termination of critical programs has resulted in layoffs of health workers dedicated to combating HIV and the cessation of both financial and medical support from local charities. Yirga Gebregziabher from OSSHD emphasized that previous improvements are now deteriorating once more due to inadequate resources.

Rising rates of other infectious diseases have also been reported, including malaria and measles, due to disruptions caused by the conflict and environmental factors. Tigray’s healthcare system remains ill-prepared to face these outbreaks, further complicating recovery efforts. Doctors face prolonged payment delays, and healthcare facilities lack essential supplies.

Currently, humanitarian aid is vital for millions in Tigray, with significant child malnutrition rates contributing to overall vulnerability. Abraha Gebreegziabher, from Ayder Referral Hospital, emphasized the pressing needs faced by healthcare institutions amid severe budget constraints. Health officials prioritize the revival of community-based health insurance destroyed during the war, although political instability poses a growing challenge to attracting donor support for rebuilding efforts.

In summary, the aftermath of the conflict in Tigray has led to a dramatic increase in HIV rates, devastating the health infrastructure established previously. The combination of sexual violence, systemic healthcare collapse, and reductions in international aid compounds the crisis. Local health authorities are committed to rebuilding, but face significant challenges due to ongoing political and economic instability in the region. Immediate action is crucial to mitigate further outbreaks and restore health services effectively.

Original Source: apnews.com