DW Amharic – Shelters for displaced persons in Amhara Region exposed to infectious disease
- AAA-admin
- Aug 30
- 3 min read
Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic article taken from DW Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
DW Amharic – Shelters for displaced persons in Amhara Region exposed to infectious disease
August 29, 2025
Persons displaced from various parts of Ethiopia taking shelter in the Jari refugee camp in Tehuledere Woreda in South Wollo say their health is at risk as shelters have broken down exposing them to rain and cold temperatures, and now Malaria and diarrhea. They said since the cessation of relief services they have been forced to beg to survive.
Shelters for displaced persons in Amhara Region exposed to infectious disease
Persons displaced from various parts of Ethiopia taking shelter in the Jari refugee camp in Tehuledere Woreda in South Wollo say their health is at risk as shelters have broken down exposing them to rain and cold temperatures, and now Malaria and diarrhea. The displaced persons said organizations which would provide relief in shelters had since stopped their services and that they had been forced to beg for life saving medical assistance.
“My mother had been sick and unable to move so we used a contract vehicle paying 1000 birr on the way and between 1000-2000 birr on the way back, and we received medical care after begging, especially through support from locals.”
There are 11 internal displacement shelters in South Wollo Zone
Recently the number of sick people has risen, and patients have been seeking treatment in health centers by the day according to someone staying in the shelter who spoke to Deutsche Welle.
“Every morning, we go to private hospitals for treatment, but they only feel better if they can get treatment urgently. They say it is a water borne disease which is frightening.”
Internally displaced persons receive medical care for free
Recently professionals from the woreda came to see us says an internally displaced person, they say diarrhea disease has increased and that they are unable to manage the medical care says a source who requested we alter their voice for their security, adding authorities should relocate them back to their homes.
“It would have been fine if they returned us to our homes, otherwise it would be good if authorities could give priority to our health as long as we remain here. That is, if they don’t want us to die.”
Three shelters for internally displaced persons in Tehuledere Woreda and Hayward town are provided with free medical care as per woreda health office head Ato Melisachew Alebel who says they have recently identified displaced persons who contracted Malaria.
"Five days ago five people were found to have contracted Malaria. We sent professionals who provided treatment before returning. Afterwards two additional persons were infected. Professionals also went there and are assessing the situation.”
Malaria and diarrhea infections found in shelters
Over the past ten days there have been internally displaced persons who contracted Malaria and diarrhea said Ato Melisachew who added the number of affected persons has now decreased.
“Over ten days ago there were persons who were infected whoever they were treated. On the second day the professionals only found one patient suffering from diarrhea and after that there were Malaria cases but the number of patients with diarrhea was reduced. If the situation worsens again, we will send professionals.”
The South Wollo Zone health office Malaria program coordinator Ato Ali Hussein said Malaria had spread across camps for internally displaced persons in Jari, Turk and Argoba. He said areas where internally displaced persons stay were ideal for the spread of Malaria causing the problem to worsen.
“In Jari Turk and Argoba camps numerous cases of Malaria have been a problem and I am at a loss for what to do. In areas where refugees stay including Qalu, Argoba, Tehuledere are ideal for spread of Malaria. The disease has repeatedly broken out. There is currently not enough being done to prevent spread and provide supplies for relief.”
The South Wollo Zone Malaria program coordinator said efforts by the regional health bureau to manage the Malaria outbreak are insufficient.
Esayas Gelaw
Tamrat Dinsa
Hirut Melese
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