UK Raises Alarm on Food Crisis in Ethiopia Caused by Conflict and Drought

The pediatric ward at Ayder Hospital in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region, is filled with children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. These babies are bearing witness to the latest food crisis in northern Ethiopia, as their mothers silently sit by their beds, hoping for a solution. The country is facing a devastating legacy of conflict and drought, which has led to food shortages and starvation for millions of people. The number of severely malnourished children being admitted to hospitals has doubled since the start of the war in 2020. While a ceasefire has been agreed upon, the impact of the conflict still remains, with many people unable to return home. International aid agencies are cautious about labeling the situation as a famine, but the president of the Tigray interim regional administration argues that there is an "unfolding famine" in the region. The federal government denies this claim and emphasizes that Ethiopia is a victim of climate change. However, the truth is that the extent of the crisis is difficult to determine due to limited media access and ongoing fighting in certain areas. The international community should be doing more to address the food crisis, but funding and attention have been redirected to other conflicts around the world. It is crucial to provide not just food assistance, but also support for people to regain self-sufficiency through farming. Despite the challenges, there is hope for recovery, as seen in the stories of mothers like Tsige Degef, who are determined to create a better future for their children.