HUMANITARIAN OVERVIEW

Ethiopia has continued its efforts in mounting intensified robust response to the multiple, prolonged complex humanitarian emergencies in country. Most of the emergencies are precipitated by internal armed conflicts, food insecurity, malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and the effects of climate change. Since 2024, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance increased to 21.4 million from 16.8 million in 2022. With very significant efforts from government and partners, it's estimated that in 2025, about 10 million people will require humanitarian assistance. The total number of refugees and asylum seekers in need of assistance is projected at 1.1 million, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan.

WHO has been at the forefront in support of the government and partners to respond to these emergencies, focusing especially on three Grade 3 emergencies—the highest level of crisis response for WHO—including the humanitarian situation in northern Ethiopia, the Sudan refugee crisis, and cholera outbreaks. Additionally, WHO is addressing one Grade 2
emergency (vaccine-derived polio) and five other emergencies including malaria, measles, malnutrition, dengue fever, and climate-driven hazards.

Civil unrest, especially in the Amhara region as well as parts of Oromia and Gambella, remains an impediment for the current relief efforts affecting the delivery of essential humanitarian aid and vital health services.

The delays in providing crucial interventions and medical supplies, including mosquito nets, antimalarials, and transportation of lab samples, have negatively affected the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Additionally, the northern regions of Afar, Amhara, and Tigray still have residual effects of the 2020-2022 conflict, which led to extensive population displacement and serious damage to healthcare facilities.

Climate-related shocks, including recurring droughts, floods, earthquakes, and landslides, have further disrupted livelihoods, weakened health and social systems, and eroded community resilience. These overlapping crises have intensified the need for humanitarian support and placed immense strain on the health system.

Despite deliberate efforts from the government to address climate change challenges, support from WHO and partners to provide lifesaving assistance is still needed. WHO has positioned itself to support local authorities as a first responder, through the subnational hubs, to ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services in high-risk and resource-limited settings. WHO leads the coordination of rapid outbreak detection, response, and containment efforts. Through its global expertise, WHO strengthens national health systems, enhances emergency preparedness, and fosters multisectoral collaboration to mitigate the impact of health crises and safeguard public health.

To effectively respond to these overlapping and escalating emergencies, WHO Ethiopia requires $72.3 million in funding for 2025. This support is critical to sustain lifesaving health interventions, strengthen emergency preparedness, and ensure equitable access to essential services for the most vulnerable populations across the country.