Mazaa and her family are cattle farmers near the border of Tigray, a rural part of the Afar region in Ethiopia. Tigray has been ravaged by conflict and climate change, making it one of the toughest places in the country to live. In the midst of the worst drought the region has seen in 40 years – reducing this year’s expected harvest by half – and with tensions and violent clashes increasing, many in Tigray are moving away for safety and survival. 

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Mazaa’s daughter, Eshe, required medical care after she suffered from a fever for a month, vomiting and vomiting blood. However, accessing this care was not easy. The best-equipped facility, Dubti Hospital, is located 100km northeast of Tigray. Whilst there is a closer health centre, Mazaa explained, "there is no treatment available there – it’s empty." After asking relatives, they were able to get a ride on the back of an open truck that’s usually used to transport goods to get to Dubti Hospital.

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Eshe, who is just five years old, was diagnosed with anaemia and malnutrition when she was seen by the doctors. She had to have a blood transfusion and after ten days in hospital is now starting to feel better. 

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The devastating drought in the Horn of Africa has now seen five consecutive failed rainy seasons, leading to high levels of acute malnutrition from increased food insecurity and inflation.

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"We don't have a formal salary," Mazaa told us of the cost of living in Tigray. "We have to sell cattle and goats if we want to buy flour. Even after selling one goat, we cannot afford 50 kilogrammes of flour." The challenges facing families in Tigray means accessing their basic needs is a constant struggle. "We are losing our income...we don't have any other way to buy essentials."

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‍IHP works with our partner Project HOPE to support Dubti Hospital, providing families like Mazaa's a lifeline in their time of need, completely free of charge.

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The neglected crisis in the Horn of Africa is affecting millions of people. Acute hunger due to severe drought, years of conflict, the Covid-19 pandemic, and rising food prices, is forcing many families to leave their homes in search of essentials. Increased displacement commonly leads to poor hygiene and sanitation, in turn increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Forced to choose between healthcare and other essentials such as food, further exacerbates peoples need for medical treatment.

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But the good news is, you can help!

1. Share Mazza's and Eshe's story, tell people about neglected crises
2. Follow @ihp_uk on social media to stay informed on neglected crises
3. Donate today to our Bridging the Gap fund, specifically created to help us reach more people in underfunded programmes like this one