A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals the devastating impact of the war on Tigray’s health system. The HeRAMS Tigray Baseline Report 2023 assessed 853 health service delivery units and found that 86% had suffered varying degrees of structural damage, including the complete destruction of 28 health facilities.
The damage to medical equipment was even more widespread. The report found that 99% of health facilities had medical equipment that was either partially damaged (72%) or fully damaged (27%). Medical equipment was completely destroyed in 232 facilities, leaving many health centers unable to provide essential services.
The assessment also found that only 28% of the assessed facilities were fully functioning, while 757 were only partially functioning and 68 were non-functioning. Among facilities facing operational constraints, shortages of medical supplies, equipment and financial resources were among the most significant challenges, further limiting access to healthcare.
The situation varied across Tigray’s zones. While all assessed facilities in Mekelle were at least partially functioning, the North Western Zone had the highest proportion of non-functioning facilities at 18%. Central Tigray had 8% non-functioning facilities, followed by Eastern Tigray at 7%.
Humanitarian and development partners were providing support to many facilities, with 89% of health service delivery units receiving major assistance. Support included health-worker training, medical supplies and medical equipment. Despite this assistance, substantial gaps remained in staffing, financing, supplies and equipment.
Overall, the WHO assessment paints a picture of a health system left severely weakened by the war, with widespread destruction of health infrastructure and equipment and most facilities unable to operate at full capacity. The findings underscore the enormous need for reconstruction, replacement of medical equipment, reliable supplies, financing and sustained support to restore Tigray’s healthcare system.
The full WHO report is available here: HeRAMS Tigray Baseline Report 2023 – Operational Status of the Health System