Cluster Status
Needs
Cholera: 26,398 cholera cases including 362 deaths reported between 27 August 2022 and 1 November 2023. The majority of cases are reported from Oromia region followed by South Ethiopia, Amhara, Somali, Sidama, Afar, Central Ethiopia, Dire Dawa, Benishangul Gumz and Harari.
Malaria: 2.9 million malaria cases reported between 1 January and 29 October 2023, an increase of 25 per cent from the previous month and higher than the number of malaria cases reported in the same time period in 7 years. Over 50 per cent of cases are reported from Oromia, followed by Amhara(10) and Southwest. Insecurity is impeding vector control interventions aimed at reducing the mosquito population, further aggravating the shortages in malaria supplies, including bed nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and drugs.
Measles: 20,782 measles cases including 159 deaths (across 20 affected woredas) reported between 1 January and 29 October 2023. Rooted in the low immunization coverage a further 24 per cent increase in cases during October, and to 24 per cent increase during September observed. Amhara Public Health Institute reports 32 woredas with measles cases in Amhara alone. Measles outbreaks are expanding in different districts of South Ethiopia and Sidama regions, where very few health partners are currently active.
Response
Cholera: As of 1 November, active cholera reported in Oromia, Central Ethiopia, Dire Dawa, Somali, and Harari. Over 300 Cholera Treatment Centres (CTC) and 506 Oral Rehydration Points are set up throughout cholera-affected woredas. Risk communication and hygiene promotion efforts have been strengthened, supporting treatment of drinking water at the point of collection. Partners continue to support health authorities with technical expertise, medical and logistics supplies, while some local NGO partners support in hard-to-reach areas. Over 6.2 million people have so far been vaccinated with one dose of Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) in 54 woredas of Amhara, CER, Oromia, SER, Sidama and Somali.
Malaria: The health cluster works closely with health authorities, NGO partners, and donors to send additional malaria supplies to Amhara. Health cluster partners are supporting the last-mile delivery of malaria supplies, including bed nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and drugs, as well as training of health workers in the latest malaria treatment protocols.
Measles: The Measles Outbreak Response Vaccination Campaign in Amhara reached 100 per cent of the 482,956 children under 10, and 108 per cent of the targeted 229,949 children under 10 in Oromia. The campaign in Somali was completed in four woredas. A strong focus on strengthening routine immunization is needed to prevent measles outbreaks from occurring.
Gaps
Lack of supplies and essential drugs in Amhara (anti-malarial, chronic diseases, essential drugs).
Lack of engagement by development partners to address root causes of cholera (lack of safe drinking water and open defecation).
Lack of funding to support local partners with last-mile delivery of life-saving supplies.
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Footnotes
(10) Amhara public health institute reports 328,279 cases cases between between 9 July and 14 October 2023 – data from only 60 per cent of Amhara’s health facilities, with data missing from those woredas that are hard-to-reach.