More than 5,000 deaths under Ethiopia's Tigray blockade

 

Malnourished 3-month-old Surafeal Mearig, who weighs 2.3 kg compared to his birthweight of 3.4 kg, looks on after being admitted at the Ayder Referral Hospital in Mekelle, Tigray region, Ethiopia December 22, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer

According to a new report from the Tigray's health department, about 1,500 people died of starvation in Ethiopia's blockaded Tigray region over a four-month period last year.
 
The report also mentions a total of more than 5,000 deaths from famine and sickness as a result of the blockade, the highest official death toll ever connected with the country's war.
 
The chief of Tigray's health department, Hagos Godefay, told The Associated Press that "deaths are disturbingly increasing," even from easily avoidable diseases like rabies when medications run out or expire.
 
In an evaluation by his bureau and certain foreign relief agencies, 5,421 deaths were recorded in Tigray between July and October, according to his report, released Wednesday by the independent Ethiopia Insight. He said it was the first such evaluation since the conflict between Tigray and Ethiopian soldiers began in November 2020.
 
Malnutrition, infectious illness, and noncommunicable diseases were among the causes of death as the health bureau and partners attempted to assess the impact on Tigray's population of its health system being largely devastated by combatants.
 
Because of the occupancy of some places by militants and the scarcity of gasoline caused by the blockade, the mortality assessment only covered around 40% of Tigray, he added.
 
"Since the magnitude of the destruction and health crisis in the inaccessible areas is undoubtedly high, the survey is bound to underreport the real extent of the crisis," Hagos wrote.
 
Severe acute malnutrition among children under the age of five, which was less than 2% in Tigray before the conflict, had risen to almost 7%, he added. According to the report, at least 369 children under the age of five died of starvation, out of a total of 1,479 persons.
 
Last year, the Associated Press documented the first hunger fatalities as a result of the blockade, as well as the government's prohibition on humanitarian workers delivering medications. Including private ones, to Tigray
 
Without medical supplies or immunizations, Hagos said the Associated Press, readily avoidable diseases like measles were developing in Tigray, and COVID-19 was spreading. HIV-positive individuals "are constantly calling my office to inquire about whether or not medications will be delivered. But my options are limited "he stated. The United Nations said earlier this month that Ethiopia's government had sent over 850,000 measles vaccinations to Tigray.
 
When Tigray troops reclaimed control of the region in June last year, Ethiopia's government cut off practically all access to food aid, medical supplies, currency, and fuel. Since then, the UN has frequently warned that Tigray is receiving fewer than 15% of the essential supplies due to a "de facto humanitarian siege."