The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) today released key operational updates from the refugee response in Ethiopia, including Eritrean refugees in Tigray and efforts to prevent and respond to COVID-19.
COVID-19 context: As of 7 May 2021, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) reported 261,580 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and 3,840 deaths in the country. A total of 1,287,801 people in priority groups were vaccinated against COVID-19, including 1,218 refugees.
Tigray Emergency: The humanitarian situation across the Tigray Region remains deeply concerning for refugees, the internally displaced and host communities. Civilians have endured six months of conflict with only extremely limited basic services and assistance available, leading to a significant escalation in humanitarian needs with new displacement ongoing.
UNHCR Ethiopia COVID-19 and Operational Update (09 March 2021)
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COVID-19 context: As of 09 March 2021, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) reported 168,335 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and 2,451 deaths in the country. Ethiopia is currently one of five countries in Africa registering the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases, according to WHO, with a recent rise in the number of positive cases and deaths.
COVID-19 vaccines: Ethiopia has just received its first shipment of 2.2 million COVID-19 vaccines and is expected to roll out a vaccination campaign prioritizing frontline health worker, individuals with co-morbidities and population aged 55 years and above. UNHCR continues to advocate for the inclusion of refugees, other persons of concern as well as humanitarian workers in national anti-COVID-19 vaccination programmes.