World Health Organization expands emergency response in northern Ethiopia

The World Health Organization is scaling up its emergency health operations in northern Ethiopia, UN News reported on October 21. The health agency is expanding services across the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions. Hostilities in these areas have driven up humanitarian and health needs among local populations. [1]

To keep essential medical services running, the World Health Organization has strengthened emergency coordination, deployed technical teams, and expanded operational support in conflict zones, UN News reported. Regional authorities and international partners are assisting with these operations. [1]

The response involves coordination with regional authorities to maintain disease surveillance and manage emergency preparations, UN News reported. The United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, are collaborating on these lifesaving interventions. [1]

Local instability also remains high in other parts of the country. AllAfrica News reported that an October 18 dispute over a regional flag in Moyale town led to gunfire between regional forces and local militias, killing a 13-year-old girl and disrupting local transport services. [4]