HIV Prevalence Surges in Ethiopia’s Tigray Following War and Funding Cuts
The Tigray region of Ethiopia has seen HIV prevalence double to 3% due to the devastating impacts of war and significant cuts to health funding. The health system has been largely destroyed, with only 17% of facilities functional, worsening the situation for HIV patients and survivors of sexual violence. The region faces escalated health crises due to funding cuts and ongoing political struggles, leaving millions in a state of humanitarian need.
Ethiopia’s Tigray region once showcased successful HIV prevention, boasting a prevalence rate of only 1.4%. However, following the outbreak of armed conflict in 2020, this figure has surged dramatically, with the current rate surpassing 3%. The war has devastated local health systems, leading to a breakdown in services and support for HIV patients, with just 17% of health centers operational.
The two-year conflict resulted in rampant sexual violence, with estimates indicating that 10% of women and girls between 15 and 49 have been victims. Health facilities have been looted and destroyed, compounding the struggles for survivors and those previously receiving treatment. For instance, many survivors faced gaps in access to timely HIV prophylaxis, as recounted by an interviewee who waited nearly eight months for medication after her assault.
Today, HIV prevalence among displaced persons reached 5.5%, while the figure climbs to 8.6% among sexual violence survivors. The region’s health infrastructure remains crippled, with widespread shortages of essential medical supplies and personnel, particularly as financial aid and support decrease.
The U.S. funding cuts, specifically the Trump administration’s decision to reduce USAID programs by 83%, have further exacerbated the situation. Many health workers funded by U.S. initiatives have been laid off, and local charities have halted operations due to funding shortages, significantly impacting HIV treatment and support services.
In addition to HIV, Tigray faces increases in other communicable diseases. Statistics indicate a drastic rise in malaria cases, while measles and other diseases are making a comeback due to insufficient resources for health preventive measures. The regional health bureaucracy struggles with inadequate supplies, unfunded medical staff, and mounting healthcare demands.
As economic hardship tightens, many individuals resort to survival strategies like sex work, contributing to the increasing HIV rates. Tigray’s health bureau emphasizes the urgent need to restore the community-based health insurance scheme, which has been crucial in the past.
Moreover, the political landscape adds layers of complexity as recent power struggles among Tigray’s leaders threaten to undermine future aid and assistance from external donors. The ongoing humanitarian crisis continues to affect millions in Tigray, leaving a significant portion of the population malnourished and vulnerable to disease.
The conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region has left a devastating impact on the prevalence of HIV and other diseases, highlighting an urgent healthcare crisis. The systematic destruction of health services, coupled with substantial funding cuts, has severely hindered recovery efforts. Restoring health infrastructures and support programs is critical for addressing the rising rates of HIV and associated health challenges. Political instability continues to complicate the situation, potentially deterring essential support from international donors.
Original Source: apnews.com
