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Context changes
Drastic changes in the humanitarian context since the publication of the 2020 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) on January 28, 2020 warranted an immediate review of the HRP requirements, which was published on June 9, 2020. At that time, the number of humanitarian cases increased considerably to 16.5 million people (compared to 7 million) and the financial requirement to US $ 1.65 billion (compared to $ 1 billion).
The additional humanitarian needs emanated primarily from the multi-sectoral impact of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, which disproportionately affects communities affected by the crisis.
Slow economic activities and job losses, as well as restrictions on movement, including border closures that disrupt markets, are some of the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Ethiopia saw a six-fold increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases between June and August, with 5,689 cases at the end of June compared to 34,058 cases as of August 19. Ethiopia also recorded more than 13,000 recoveries and more than 600 deaths. In the last week of August, Ethiopia led the East African countries with the highest number of cases.
Daily testing capacity has increased exponentially with an average of 4,000 daily tests as of June 30 to about 21,000 daily tests as of August 19. Meanwhile, the confirmation of the first corona cases among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in late July generated alarm.
Their living and health conditions, as well as their lack of adequate access to basic services, make the internally displaced among the most vulnerable to the virus. A recent analysis using WaSH, health and shelter indicators highlighted that IDPs in 56 sites live in overcrowded environments, making physical distancing almost impossible and with inadequate hygiene facilities and lack of access to health services. In mid-August, 17 cases were detected among internally displaced persons in the Qoloji sites (Somali region), where 12,532 households reside in overcrowded conditions. The Qoloji site is one of 26 IDP sites in the country prioritized for decongestion and expanded response by regional authorities and humanitarian actors. In total, there are some 953,000 internally displaced persons living in camp-like settings in the Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Oromia and Somali regions.
Concern about the likelihood of a further increase is high, given that at least 63% of recent cases were due to community transmission. Weak health systems are already beyond capacity, with reported shortages of oxygen and beds for COVID-19 patients.
The pandemic also threatens progress made on other health threats. Currently, a cholera outbreak is reported in at least 17 areas in three regions. According to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), 6,789 cases of cholera were reported between January and August 2020 in the SNNP (4,819 cases), Somali (1,319) and Oromia (651) regions.
Measles and other endemic diseases also require sustained attention from the government system and healthcare partners.
Drastic changes in the humanitarian context since the publication of the 2020 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) on January 28, 2020 warranted an immediate review of the HRP requirements, which was published on June 9, 2020. At that time, the number of humanitarian cases increased considerably to 16.5 million people (compared to 7 million) and the financial requirement to US $ 1.65 billion (compared to $ 1 billion).
The additional humanitarian needs emanated primarily from the multi-sectoral impact of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, which disproportionately affects communities affected by the crisis.
Slow economic activities and job losses, as well as restrictions on movement, including border closures that disrupt markets, are some of the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Ethiopia saw a six-fold increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases between June and August, with 5,689 cases at the end of June compared to 34,058 cases as of August 19. Ethiopia also recorded more than 13,000 recoveries and more than 600 deaths. In the last week of August, Ethiopia led the East African countries with the highest number of cases.
Daily testing capacity has increased exponentially with an average of 4,000 daily tests as of June 30 to about 21,000 daily tests as of August 19. Meanwhile, the confirmation of the first corona cases among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in late July generated alarm.
Their living and health conditions, as well as their lack of adequate access to basic services, make the internally displaced among the most vulnerable to the virus. A recent analysis using WaSH, health and shelter indicators highlighted that IDPs in 56 sites live in overcrowded environments, making physical distancing almost impossible and with inadequate hygiene facilities and lack of access to health services. In mid-August, 17 cases were detected among internally displaced persons in the Qoloji sites (Somali region), where 12,532 households reside in overcrowded conditions. The Qoloji site is one of 26 IDP sites in the country prioritized for decongestion and expanded response by regional authorities and humanitarian actors. In total, there are some 953,000 internally displaced persons living in camp-like settings in the Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Oromia and Somali regions.
Concern about the likelihood of a further increase is high, given that at least 63% of recent cases were due to community transmission. Weak health systems are already beyond capacity, with reported shortages of oxygen and beds for COVID-19 patients.
The pandemic also threatens progress made on other health threats. Currently, a cholera outbreak is reported in at least 17 areas in three regions. According to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), 6,789 cases of cholera were reported between January and August 2020 in the SNNP (4,819 cases), Somali (1,319) and Oromia (651) regions.
Measles and other endemic diseases also require sustained attention from the government system and healthcare partners.
