Ethiopia Health Cluster Bulletin (June 2024) Situation Overview** * Ethiopia continues to face a protracted humanitarian crisis, with ongoing conflict, displacement, and food insecurity affecting millions of people. * The health system remains fragile and underfunded, particularly in conflict-affected areas. * Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) continues to be a major concern, with an estimated 1.7 million children under 5 years of age at risk. Health Cluster Response** * The Health Cluster, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), coordinates the provision of health services in Ethiopia. * Cluster partners provide a range of services, including primary health care, nutrition, mental health, and disease surveillance and response. * In June 2024, the Health Cluster reached over 1.2 million people with essential health services. Challenges** * Access to health services remains a major challenge, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas. * Funding gaps continue to hinder the scale-up of essential health interventions. * Insecurity and violence pose ongoing risks to the safety of health workers and patients. Key Highlights** * Nutrition: Over 250,000 children with SAM were treated in the first half of 2024. * Primary Health Care: Over 1 million people received essential health services, including vaccinations, antenatal care, and child health services. * Mental Health: Over 100,000 people received mental health support, including counseling and medication. * Disease Surveillance and Response: The Health Cluster continues to strengthen disease surveillance systems and respond to outbreaks of communicable diseases. Funding** * The Health Cluster requires $100 million for the remainder of 2024 to continue providing life-saving health services. * As of June 2024, only 35% of the funding requirement has been received. Call to Action** * Donors are urged to provide urgent funding to the Health Cluster to ensure that essential health services continue to reach those most in need. * The international community and local authorities must prioritize improving access to health services and protecting the health and safety of health workers and patients. * All stakeholders must work together to strengthen the health system and build a resilient health sector in Ethiopia.Attached FilesAttached Files Reflexes * Despite a decline in measles cases nationwide, outbreaks have emerged in Amhara and southern Ethiopia. * Cholera cases have decreased by 53% since May 2024 due to the STOP CHOLERA NOW campaign, but outbreaks continue in Oromia, Somali, and Amhara. * Malaria cases and deaths are rising in southwestern Ethiopia, Western Oromia, and other regions. No data has been received since June 2024. * Nearly 690,000 displaced people in Tigray lack access to health services, clean water, and sanitation, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. * High rates of mental health issues, including suicide, have been reported in conflict-affected areas of Amhara. WCC and WHO are providing assessments, medication, and training to address these concerns.Ethiopia Health Cluster Bulletin (June 2024) Needs and Gaps * Continued humanitarian assistance: Over 26 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance, including food security, nutrition, shelter, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and protection services. * Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases: Measles, whooping cough, and diphtheria remain a threat, with outbreaks reported in several regions. * Malnutrition: An estimated 6.8 million children under 5 are acutely malnourished, including 2.2 million children who are severely malnourished. * Limited access to health services: Over 20% of health facilities are non-functional or partially functional due to conflict, displacement, and resource constraints, affecting access to essential health services. * Shortage of health workers: There is a critical shortage of health workers, particularly in conflict-affected areas and remote locations. Achievements * Vaccination campaigns: Over 10 million children have been vaccinated against measles, whooping cough, and diphtheria, contributing to a significant reduction in outbreaks. * Nutrition interventions: Nutritional screenings have been conducted for over 5 million children, with over 800,000 severely malnourished children receiving treatment. * WASH services: Over 2 million people have gained access to improved water sources, and 1.5 million people have access to improved sanitation facilities. * Reproductive health services: Over 100,000 women have received antenatal care, and over 500,000 women have given birth in health facilities with skilled birth attendants. * Community-based health services: Over 10,000 community volunteers have been trained to provide basic health services and raise awareness about disease prevention. Challenges * Conflict: Ongoing conflict in several regions continues to disrupt access to health services and hinder delivery of humanitarian assistance. * Displacement: Displacement due to conflict or flooding has resulted in overcrowded camps and settlements with limited access to health services. * Resource constraints: Funding shortfalls continue to hamper the provision of essential health services and the response to humanitarian needs. * Capacity gaps: Limited capacity of health systems and lack of trained health workers remain significant challenges. * Climate change: Erratic weather patterns and droughts have affected food security and contributed to disease outbreaks. Recommendations * Donor support: Continued financial support is crucial to sustain humanitarian interventions and address the health needs of the population. * Access to services: Ensure sustainable access to health services for all populations, including those in conflict-affected and remote areas. * Capacity building: Invest in training and developing health workers to strengthen health systems and improve service delivery. * Conflict resolution: Work towards a peaceful resolution of conflicts to allow for the resumption of essential health services and facilitate humanitarian assistance. * Climate resilience: Support measures to enhance resilience to climate change and mitigate its impact on health and livelihoods.