UN Warns Trump's Aid Freeze Could Lead to Millions of AIDS Deaths

The Tigray region of Ethiopia is on the brink of renewed conflict following a recent coup, as interim leader Getachew Reda fled to the capital, Addis Ababa. The coup was initiated by a rival faction of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), led by Debretsion Gebremichael, which seized control of provincial government offices and key infrastructure in the regional capital, Mekelle. Tensions escalated when Reda attempted to dismiss senior military commanders, leading to a split within the ruling TPLF party. The turmoil reignited fears of a return to violence, reflecting the region's troubled recent history, which saw approximately 600,000 fatalities during the conflict that ended in 2022, according to a British Medical Journal study. Residents report widespread fear, with many withdrawing cash and fleeing towards safer areas. Additionally, strained relations between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea have raised concerns of an interstate conflict, exacerbated by Ethiopia's military mobilization along the border. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue regarding access to the strategic Red Sea port of Assab but warned that without resolution, the situation could escalate further.

In Ethiopia, an alarming 9 million children currently lack access to education as the country grapples with a widespread humanitarian crisis. In 2023, the school-aged population reached approximately 35.4 million, yet only about 22.9 million were enrolled in schools, leaving over 35% of children out of formal education. The educational disruption stems from armed conflicts, natural disasters, tribal tensions, and economic instability. Since the onset of conflict between the federal government and the Tigray regional government in 2020, the situation has worsened, with significant infrastructure damage, particularly to schools. As of November 2024, around 10,000 schools were reported damaged, and more than 6,000 were closed due to violence and natural disasters, especially in regions such as Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Somali, and Afar. The consequences of this educational crisis are dire. Children out of school face increased risks of child labor, early marriage, and exploitation, while the lifelong disadvantages associated with lacking education hinder their personal and economic potential. Additionally, the absence of education perpetuates cycles of poverty and destabilizes societal cohesion. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration has faced criticism for not adequately addressing the education crisis. Efforts to involve regional governments in finding resources for education have proven insufficient. Advocates are calling for immediate and sustained support from global partners to address the situation and encourage the Ethiopian government to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve internal conflicts. The scale of the crisis demands a coordinated humanitarian response, emphasizing the need for international recognition and assistance to help restore education in Ethiopia.

A significant health crisis is unfolding in Ethiopia as trachoma, an eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, threatens the vision of countless individuals. The infection, which spreads through contact with infected people or through flies, has caused severe discomfort for many, including 35-year-old farmer Scheicho Scheifa, whose condition has turned his eyelids inwards and damaged his corneas. Women are disproportionately affected, with studies indicating they face blindness from trachoma up to four times more often than men, largely due to their frequent contact with children who are major carriers of the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 103 million people live in areas endemic to trachoma worldwide, with nearly half of them located in Ethiopia. Despite suffering since childhood, Scheicho was hesitant to undergo surgery that could alleviate his condition due to fears stemming from his mother's unsuccessful treatment. However, following advice from local healthcare professionals, he recently underwent a successful surgical procedure in a rural health center, marking a significant step towards restoring his vision. Efforts are underway to combat trachoma in Ethiopia, including improving access to clean water and raising awareness about hygiene practices as preventive measures. While 21 countries have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health concern, experts believe that substantial improvements in living standards are necessary to achieve the same outcome in Ethiopia.