Latest news with #Oromia
France 24
7 days ago
- Science
- France 24
France battles largest wildfire of the year so far
06/08/2025 Hiroshima: 80 years after the first atomic bomb JAPAN 06/08/2025 Karol Nawrocki becomes Poland's president 06/08/2025 NASA races to put nuclear reactors on Moon and Mars 06/08/2025 Gabon forest cave reveals clues about prehistoric central Africa Africa 06/08/2025 Rwanda to receive 250 migrants expelled by the US Africa 06/08/2025 Cameroon court rejects opposition leader's presidential candidacy 06/08/2025 Ethiopia: Healthcare access crumbles amid Oromia conflict 06/08/2025 Colombian mercenaries seen in Sudan Africa 06/08/2025 Japan's Hiroshima remembers 80 years after first atomic attack
Zawya
7 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Ethiopia's Integrated Measles Campaign Reaches 18.5 Million Under-Five Children
Ethiopia has successfully concluded its 2025 nationwide integrated measles campaign, reaching 18,570,244 children—99% of the targeted population. The ten-day campaign began on 14 May 2025 across 12 regions, with Somali Region and Addis Ababa City Administration launching on 21 May and 26 May, respectively. The national launch event, organized by WHO, was held in Bishoftu, Oromia Region, under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and supported by partners, community members, and political leaders. Dr. Owen L. Kaluwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, commended the Ministry of Health for its leadership, stating: 'I would like to congratulate and commend the Ministry of Health for your leadership and effort undertaken to realize the successful implementation of the 2025 National Integrated Measles Supplementary Immunization (SIA) Campaign, and for marking a significant milestone in delivering life-saving services to vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations nationwide.' Dr. Kaluwa also reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting Ethiopia in strengthening routine immunization and primary health care systems to reduce child mortality. WHO provided technical and financial support throughout the campaign, including proposal development, microplanning, training, supervision, and support for the national launch event. The campaign targeted children aged 9 to 59 months, aiming to protect them against measles—a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. It was designed to close immunity gaps and prevent outbreaks, in line with global health recommendations and in response to ongoing measles cases in parts of the country. In addition to measles vaccination, the campaign integrated several health interventions, including: Routine Immunization: 191,346 zero-dose and 211,546 under-vaccinated children received vaccines. Nutritional Screening: Over 18.9 million children under five were screened; 874,722 were identified as moderately acutely malnourished (MAM), and 122,207 as severely acutely malnourished (SAM). Vitamin A Supplementation: More than 15 million children received vitamin A. Deworming: 11,095,948 children aged 24 to 59 months received albendazole. COVID-19 Vaccination: 206,431 Pfizer doses were administered to high-priority groups. Obstetric Fistula Identification: 1,325 suspected cases were identified and referred to health facilities. Sick Child Referral: Over 49,312 sick children were identified and linked to appropriate health services. The campaign's success was made possible through the full engagement of government ministries, partners, communities, and the media, which played a vital role in raising awareness and increasing demand for the life-saving vaccine. This achievement highlights the power of collaboration and dedicated partnerships in ensuring every child has access to essential health services. WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ethiopia in strengthening routine immunization, enhancing primary health care systems, and advancing efforts to reduce child mortality—ensuring that no child is left behind. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Ethiopia.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Ethiopia Completes Second Round of novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) Campaign, Reaching Over 16.8 Million Children with Integrated Health Services
Ethiopia has successfully concluded the second round of its nationwide novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) campaign, reaching more than 16.8 million children across ten regions. Led by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International, and other immunization partners, the campaign was conducted from 30 May to 2 June 2025. With an administrative coverage of 105%, the campaign integrated essential maternal and child health services to maximize its reach and impact. While the primary target group was children under five, the age range was extended to include children up to ten years in Kellem and West Guji zones of Oromia Region, following localized risk assessments. 'Ethiopia's leadership and coordination have been exemplary,' said Dr Owen L. Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. 'In the first round, over 15.3 million children were vaccinated with nOPV2, achieving 103% coverage. These efforts are vital as the country continues to respond to outbreaks, with 69 cases reported across multiple regions between 2024 and March 2025.' Throughout the campaign, WHO played a pivotal role in ensuring its success. In close collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and UNICEF, WHO supported pre-campaign preparations, including resource mobilization, training of health workers, and real-time monitoring using tools like the Open Data Kit (ODK). WHO also deployed independent monitors and quality assurance surveyors in nearly half of the selected regions, enabling immediate corrective actions and contributing to higher coverage rates. Additionally, WHO Field Officers and STOP consultants supported preparedness assessments, microplanning, cold chain inventory, and training of team supervisors. The integrated campaign strategy is central to reducing mortality and morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases. During the first round, a total of 104,000 zero-dose (62,000) and under-vaccinated children (42,000) were identified and vaccinated—highlighting the campaign's success in reaching previously missed populations. Key Achievements from the Second Round are: 48,363 zero-dose children vaccinated, bringing the cumulative total to over 110,000 across both rounds. 654 children immunized at official border entry points with Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. 31,253 supervisory visits conducted, resulting in 365 acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) alerts, with 81 confirmed cases and samples collected for laboratory analysis. Independent monitoring and Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) surveys confirmed high campaign quality, with 98% of 52,120 children verified as vaccinated and 90% of lots passing the quality threshold. In addition to nOPV2 vaccination, the campaign facilitated catch-up immunizations for zero-dose and under-vaccinated children and supported the identification and referral of women with obstetric fistula for treatment—demonstrating a holistic approach to public health. WHO remains committed to supporting Ethiopia's regions, zones, and woredas in achieving high immunization coverage and maintaining robust disease surveillance systems to protect every child. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Ethiopia.
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ethiopia's conflict-hit Oromia region struggles for healthcare
STORY: :: ICRC In Ethiopia's conflict-affected Oromia region, residents of remote villages are slowly regaining access to healthcare after nearly two years of disruption. The Gunfi Primary Health Center in the West Wellega zone was closed for nearly 23 months due to insecurity. Doctor Gemechis Emana, the facility's medical director, says residents relied on makeshift solutions. Including using donkey carts to transport pregnant women to the nearest functioning hospital. He says local people have developed many health problems without access to care. The conflict between federal forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), designated a terrorist group by the government, has displaced hundreds of thousands and cut off basic services. Despite a peace deal in 2022, violence in Oromia has persisted, drawing less international attention. At the reopened clinic, expectant mothers now wait for check-ups, though medicine remains in short supply. Nearby Begi hospital, located less than 7 miles from Gunfi, is also recovering. Its director, Doctor Ephrem Tamiru, says it has been challenging. He says much of the medical equipment in the hospital was destroyed in the conflict. And with the district more than 400 miles away from the capital, transporting medicine was very difficult due to security issues along the road. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has provided medical supplies, training, and logistical support. In the first half of 2025, it says it supported 20 health facilities in Oromia, helping provide care to more than 100,000 patients. But despite the progress, it says the needs remain vast and the road to recovery uncertain. Solve the daily Crossword
Arab News
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Civilians face ‘devastating' impact of Ethiopia's Oromia conflict: ICRC
ADDIS ABABA: Conflict between the Ethiopian army and rebels in the country's most populated region is having 'devastating consequences' on civilians, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned on Thursday. Africa's second most populous country, home to some 130 million inhabitants, is being torn apart by several armed conflicts. Oromia, which surrounds the capital Addis Ababa, has seen clashes since 2018 between federal forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), with peace talks failing to yield progress. Authorities have classified the OLA as a 'terrorist organization,' but it claims to be fighting for the rights of the region's approximately 40 million inhabitants. 'The ongoing conflict in the Oromia region is having a devastating effect on many communities, particularly those in remote areas,' the ICRC in Ethiopia said in a statement. 'Oromia doesn't make the headlines, yet civilians continue to be deeply affected by violence, with many people killed or injured and limited help coming from outside the region,' it warned. 'Many communities live on either side of a front line, or in places where there are ever-changing front lines, meaning that frequent skirmishes make movements particularly difficult and dangerous,' it added, saying that it prevented access to life-saving health care. International monitors in 2018 estimated the OLA's strength at a few thousand men but believe numbers have significantly increased in recent years. Despite this, they believe it remains insufficiently armed and organized to pose a real threat to the Ethiopian government. In November, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) announced it was investigating the deaths of 48 people, including a district official, in an attack attributed to the OLA. While Ethiopia signed a peace deal to end a deadly war between federal and regional forces in northern Tigray in 2022, conflicts continue to roil the sprawling nation. In the Amhara region, the second most populous, federal authorities have been grappling with the Fano People's Militia insurgency for over a year.
