Assessing the health consequences of northern Ethiopian armed conflict, 2022
Mulugeta Wodaje Arage, Henok Kumsa, Mulu Shiferaw Asfaw, Abebe Tarekegn Kassaw, Ephrem Mebratu, Abayneh Tunta, Woldeteklehaymanot Kassahun, Amanuel Adissu, Molla Yigzaw, Tilahun Hailu, Lebeza Alemu Tenaw
Abstract
Armed conflict is a complicated topic with multidimensional impact on population health. This study aimed to assess of the health consequences of the northern Ethiopian conflict, 2022. We used a mixed method study design with a retrospective cross-sectional study supplemented by a qualitative study conducted from May to June 2022. We interviewed 1806 individuals from 423 households and conducted 100 in-depth interviews and focused group discussion. We identified 224 people who self-reported cases of illness (124/1000 people) with only 48 (21%) people who fell ill visited a health institution. We also detected 27 cases of deaths (15/1000 people) during the conflict. The collapse of the health system, evacuation of health personnel, and shortage of medical supplies, and instability with a lack of transportation were consequences of the conflict. The northern Ethiopian conflict has greatly affected the community's health through the breakdown of the health system and health-supporting structures.