Addis Ababa: More than 1,300 people have died due to hunger and lack of basic medical care in northern Ethiopia, as a deepening humanitarian crisis continues to affect thousands living in displacement camps. The deaths have been reported mainly from the Tigray region, where many families are still struggling after years of conflict.
Local officials and aid workers say most of those who died were internally displaced people who have been living in camps since the war ended in 2022. Many of them depend entirely on humanitarian support for food, clean water and healthcare.
The situation has become worse in recent months as foreign aid has reduced. Several international donors have cut funding, forcing aid agencies to scale down their operations. As a result, many people are now receiving little or no food assistance.
Earlier problems with aid distribution have also added to the crisis. Food support was temporarily stopped in the past due to concerns about misuse, leaving vulnerable communities without help for long periods. Although some aid later resumed, the supply has remained limited.
The roots of the crisis lie in the conflict that hit Tigray between 2020 and 2022. The fighting destroyed farms, health centres and basic infrastructure, making it difficult for people to return to normal life. Many families have not been able to go back to their homes or restart farming.
Humanitarian organisations warn that the situation could get worse if support does not increase. Millions of people across Ethiopia are still at risk due to a mix of conflict, climate challenges and reduced global aid.
Officials fear that without urgent help, more lives could be lost in the coming months as food shortages continue to grow.