A severe cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia has resulted in 31 fatalities and more than 1,500 reported cases, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) on Friday.
In a statement, the medical organization warned that the disease is “spreading rapidly” in the region, posing a significant threat to thousands of lives.
Reports from the NGO indicate that the outbreak has primarily affected the Gambella region, which borders South Sudan. The figures are based on data from the regional health office, raising concerns about the growing humanitarian crisis.
The situation in western Ethiopia is further exacerbated by an influx of people fleeing violence in South Sudan. Many cross the border seeking emergency medical care, adding strain to already overwhelmed healthcare facilities.
International organizations had previously reported a cholera outbreak in South Sudan in October 2024, highlighting the cross-border nature of the health crisis. The rapid spread of the disease underscores the urgent need for enhanced response efforts, including access to clean water, sanitation, and medical resources.
