The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 14,000 cases of dengue fever in Ethiopia.

In the latest report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 14,249 cases of dengue fever have been documented in Ethiopia throughout the year 2023, marking a concerning surge in the region’s health crisis.

According to the WHO’s African Region Health Emergency Situation Report, the outbreak of dengue fever in East Africa has led to a devastating toll, claiming the lives of at least seven individuals.

In response to this dire situation, the UN agency has actively engaged in a range of critical response initiatives. These encompass a comprehensive set of actions, from coordinating efforts and building capacity to actively seeking and managing cases, controlling disease vectors, and rallying communities through social mobilization campaigns.

“Ethiopia is confronting an array of simultaneous health challenges, from cholera and measles to malaria and dengue fever, compounded by internal displacements due to both conflicts and natural calamities,” highlighted the report. The seasonal pattern of malaria and dengue fever outbreaks, amplified by the displacement crisis, has significantly exacerbated the existing public health crisis, particularly during the rainy season when these diseases thrive.

Expressing grave concern, the WHO had previously sounded an alarm regarding the escalating health needs in Ethiopia. It underscored how the displacement of millions has severely disrupted crucial health and nutrition services, painting a dire picture exacerbated by the compounding factors of conflict, insecurity, and logistical constraints on movement.