Healthcare for rural Ethiopia

Ethiopia, the most populous landlocked country in the world, unites over 100 ethnic groups on its territory. Many different population groups live far away from any infrastructure, including healthcare. Cattle breeders populate rural areas, for example in the Somali region. Far from the state health centers, they are left to their own devices in the event of illness. The maternal and infant mortality rate at birth is extremely high without gynecological care.

Recurring droughts, conflicts and the influx of many internally displaced persons are putting strain on the already weak health infrastructure. There is a lack of medicines, trained personnel, water and electricity in health facilities. Women and girls are particularly affected by the consequences: they bear a high level of responsibility for their families, often have little influence on health decisions and are exposed to increased health risks. The situation has been exacerbated by the civil war in neighbouring Somalia – there are an estimated 170,000 refugees for every 150,000 inhabitants. More than ten per cent of all children here die before their fifth birthday.