In Ethiopia, malaria has crossed a critical threshold with more than 7.3 million cases this year, pushing Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to mobilize its teams in a particularly degraded health and humanitarian context.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) expresses deep concern about the critical health situation in Ethiopia, where malaria is reaching epidemic level with more than 7.3 million cases recorded this year.
In two particularly affected regions, Oromia and Gambella, the humanitarian organization is intervening alongside the Ethiopian Ministry of Health to address this crisis. Compared to the 4.1 million cases in 2023, the epidemiological jump is significant, making Ethiopia one of the most affected countries in East Africa.
The situation is particularly critical in the Oromia region, which concentrates 48.5% of national cases. The number of patients increased fivefold between August 2023 and August 2024, revealing a rapid deterioration in the health situation.
The challenges are multiple: a health system already weakened by recent conflicts, a population made vulnerable by insecurity and limited access to care, and the presence of numerous refugees. In the Kule refugee camp alone, which houses more than 50,000 people, malaria cases jumped 150% in 2024.
MSF quickly deployed an emergency response, notably in Nekemte and Nejo hospitals, where its teams treat around 750 people every week. Medical teams are working around the clock to provide care and implement preventative measures, including vaccinations for children.
“The health system has reached its limits,” underlines Jocelyn Yapi, MSF head of mission, illustrating the urgency of the situation. George Mapiye, deputy medical coordinator, confirms that the number of infections is the highest in five years.
This health crisis highlights the fragility of health systems in regions facing multiple humanitarian challenges simultaneously, and underlines the crucial importance of international support in managing epidemics.
MG/as/fss/ac/APA
