Ethiopia Reopens Health Facilities in Conflict Hit Regions Amid Medicine Shortages

Mintesinot Nigussie

The Ministry of Health says health facilities in conflict-affected, man-made disaster and natural disaster hit areas have resumed services as reconstruction efforts continue, although shortages of essential medicines persist in parts of the country. The announcement comes after widespread disruption to the health system in northern Ethiopia during years of conflict, which damaged or disrupted a large share of hospitals, health centres and health posts.

State Minister of Health Dr Dereje Duguma told local media that health posts, health centres and hospitals in previously disrupted regions are now back in operation following rehabilitation work. He said the reopening reflects ongoing recovery efforts aimed at restoring basic health services across affected communities.

He added that efforts are under way to improve the deployment of health professionals in these areas, although staffing gaps remain. Medicine supply has improved compared with earlier conditions but has yet to stabilise fully, reflecting continued pressure on supply chains in a system heavily dependent on imports and external logistics.

Dr Dereje also addressed concerns raised by health workers and the Tigray regional health bureau over salaries and benefits, saying the matter should be handled at national level rather than as a sector-specific issue. He said the interim regional administration is expected to discuss the matter with the federal government.

Despite gradual improvements in access to medical supplies following the easing of conflict conditions and the resumption of humanitarian deliveries, health officials and aid agencies have previously warned that availability remains uneven and below demand in some areas, particularly for essential medicines.

The Tigray Regional Health Bureau has previously reported shortages of medicines and basic medical supplies, underscoring ongoing challenges in restoring consistent healthcare delivery in parts of the region following conflict.

Businesses in pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and healthcare services are closely monitoring the situation, as sustained shortages could affect operations and patient care in the affected regions.

Overall, the reopening of health facilities in conflict-hit areas marks a positive step in Ethiopia’s recovery efforts, even as medicine shortages continue to pose significant challenges to full restoration of services.