Health Services in War: What Happened to HIV Care in Mekelle

The war that began in Tigray has severely disrupted the delivery of essential health services, particularly for people living with HIV.

Disrupted Testing and Diagnosis

• Routine HIV testing has dropped sharply.
• Those who do get tested often face longer wait times for results.

Treatment Interruptions

• Clinics suffer from physical damage and staff shortages.
• Patients frequently miss doses or stop treatment entirely, increasing the risk of drug resistance.

Underlying Causes

• Health workers relocate to safer areas.
• Supply chains break down, cutting off medication deliveries.
• Roads become unsafe, limiting patient access to care.

Consequences

The conflict not only inflicts physical harm but also erodes the health system’s capacity to maintain continuous care. Continued fighting could lead to more patients losing treatment and experiencing worse health outcomes.

Path Forward

• Mobile clinics and community drug distributors can bridge gaps.
• Early identification of breakdowns allows for proactive planning, keeping the health system resilient even amid rising tensions.