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.