ISSN: 2474-9230
Authors: Abebaw N*, Mekonen H, Animut Y, Tefera Z, Walle F and Zeleke A
Introduction: Armed conflicts result in the interruption of clinical services, public health services, and other health-related programs and damage to the health facilities and their infrastructures. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of conflict on public health within the war-affected zones of the Amhara region. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Amhara region. Document review and interview administered questionnaires were employed for collecting the data during the study period. Result: Based on this assessment; more than 51% of health facilities and their infrastructures were damaged and looted. About 10,333 patients on chronic disease follow-up had interrupted their treatment and follow-up for more than three to six months. And also, more than 29632 civilians died in the conflict-sourced war. Maternal and child health services have been interrupted for more than70, 000 pregnant & lactating mothers. 1035 unwanted pregnancies and 934 sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) have been occurred due to the conflict. Conclusion: About 51% of health facilities in the region were damaged; following this essential health services such as chronic follow non-communicable and chronic infectious disease, maternal health services, and child health services have been interrupted in the affected zones. This had led to the occurrence of maternal mortality of 233 &child mortality of 166 among those who lived in the affected area. Therefore, it needs Rapid strengthening of mobile health services, and the reestablishment of health facilities buildings and their infrastructures to reduce future morbidity and mortality.
Keywords: Public Health Impact; Conflict; Amhara Region
