The conflict has been going on since November in the province of Tigray. This northern region is still plagued by violence between the former TPLF power on the one hand, the federal army, Eritrean soldiers and Amhara’s militiamen on the other. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and caused significant damage. Part of the health care system has collapsed.
From our special correspondent in Mekele,
300,000 patients last year. 8000 surgical operations. A coverage area that reaches 10 million inhabitants. Ayder Hospital is the largest in Tigray. But when the conflict hit the province in November, the situation quickly became catastrophic.
“There was no more electricity. We used the generator, but it does not run all the time. Many patients have died, explains administrator Muse Tesfaye Asbaha. Then to continue: “Even today there are cuts. People die from lack of medicine. We do what we can to save lives. But when the number of patients explodes, and never before seen cases occur, it hurts a lot. ”
“It’s part of a genocide”
In the corridors, the caregivers are busy. The services are full. Khalayu Kundeya is a 76-year-old priest. He was seriously injured in the leg about 100 kilometers from Mekele. He has been in hospital for two months.
“I came home from church and there was a bombardment by the federal army in the village. One of my neighbors was killed, he says. The old man owes his salvation to his son’s sensitivity. Living in the capital, Mickaël managed to transport his father to Hayder Hospital. “There was a health center, but because of the fighting, all caregivers fled. Someone told me he was hurt. I could contact the Red Cross to get him out of there. These attacks are intentional. It is part of a genocide, says Mickaël.
Patients who keep coming
Although Addis Ababa declared an end to military operations in November, the violence continues. Every day, new patients of all ages come from all parts of Tigray.
Beriha Gebraye is 15 years old. She comes from Samra at 60 km. A bullet went through his head and struck both his eyes. She is now blind. His father Gebraye Zennaba holds his hand. “The Eritreans shot people for no reason. I took my injured daughter to a village and then we left, Gebraye Zennaba explains. Then he adds: “I’m devastated to see her like this, but at least she’s alive.” Others have lost everything. This conflict is terrible. We’re killing each other. The world must react, it must stop. ”
“If this continues we will all crack”
Ayder Hospital is now working far beyond its capacity, with resources continuing to decline. Daniel Weldu is the emergency manager. For him, the situation is not sustainable. “I am understaffed. Some have lost their families and been forced to quit because they can no longer concentrate. Others fear insecurity. Our employees are traumatized. If this continues, we will all crack, ”fears Dr Weldu.
For the employees, only a ceasefire and the resumption of health centers in Tigray will improve the situation. But at the moment no one sees any change in the horizon.
