HIV Prevalence Surge in Ethiopia’s Tigray Amidst Conflict and Aid Cuts

The Tigray region in Ethiopia faces a surge in HIV rates, doubling from 1.4% to 3% due to war-related destruction of healthcare services. Additionally, sexual violence has severely impacted health outcomes. Cuts to U.S. aid complicate recovery efforts as Tigray struggles with multiple infectious disease outbreaks and malnutrition among children. Reviving the healthcare system is imperative, but political instability threatens future progress.

Ethiopia’s Tigray region faced a dire escalation in HIV prevalence following the onset of conflict in 2020. Previously a model area for HIV prevention, the region’s rate dropped to 1.4% due to extensive awareness campaigns, but has since surged to 3%, with displaced individuals experiencing rates of 5.5% and sexual violence survivors at 8.6%. The upheaval led to the widespread destruction of the health care infrastructure, with only 17% of health centers remaining operational, significantly impairing access to timely medical support for those affected by sexual violence.

The war not only resulted in rampant sexual violence but also devastated local health services. Reports indicate that up to 10% of women and girls between 15 and 49 in Tigray have endured sexual abuse, while the chaos allowed for severe neglect of existing HIV patients, who faced a decline in access to antiretroviral medications. Amanuel Haile, head of the health bureau, described the horrors of the conflict, stating, “War was everywhere. Crops failed. Rape was widespread. Hospitals were vandalized.”

The situation has been exacerbated by significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid initiatives aimed at combating HIV. The Trump administration’s termination of 83% of U.S. Agency for International Development programs has hampered recovery efforts, leading to the layoff of health workers and halting the work of local charities providing HIV treatment support. Yirga Gebregziabher from the Organization for Social Services remarked, “Since the end of the war, things were slowly improving. Now so many services have stopped again.”

Moreover, Tigray now grapples with other infectious disease outbreaks, such as a dramatic rise in malaria and measles cases. The war interrupted prevention efforts, and health facilities are severely underfunded and under-resourced. Amanuel warned, “These outbreaks are extremely damaging… we have a lot to rebuild, and outbreaks take up whatever meager resources we have.”

The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with 18% of children in Tigray malnourished. Institutions like Ayder Referral Hospital struggle with budget constraints and a lack of essential supplies. Despite the pressing challenges, there is hope for reform; Amanuel stressed that reviving the community-based health insurance system is a top priority as they aim for recovery amidst ongoing political strife in the region.

In summary, the Tigray region of Ethiopia is experiencing a drastic increase in HIV rates, largely attributed to the destabilizing effects of war and the subsequent collapse of health services. As the area struggles to recover, cuts to foreign aid further hinder efforts to provide essential healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and children. Rebuilding Tigray’s health system, including the revival of community-based health initiatives, remains critical, yet ongoing political instability poses significant challenges to rehabilitation efforts.

Original Source: apnews.com