The armed conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia, which lasted from November 2020 to November 2022, had a devastating impact on the healthcare system and the well-being of children with type 1 diabetes. A new study conducted at the Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Mekelle, Tigray, has revealed the stark reality of how the war and siege affected the care and outcomes of these vulnerable patients. The research highlights a significant increase in hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication, along with a rise in severe malnutrition, complications, and mortality rates during the conflict period compared to the pre-war period. The findings underscore the urgent need for governments, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies to prioritize the healthcare needs of children with type 1 diabetes during times of crisis, as the lack of access to essential resources like insulin can have devastating consequences.
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The Collapse of Tigray’s Healthcare System
The Tigray region of Ethiopia, once known for its well-functioning healthcare system, faced a near-total collapse during the two-year conflict between the Tigray regional government and the Ethiopian federal government. According to reports, only 3.6% of health facilities in Tigray remained fully functional during the war and siege, with many being looted, damaged, or vandalized. This catastrophic situation had a profound impact on the delivery of essential healthcare services, including the management of chronic conditions like hypokalemia, the presence of complications, and admission during the war and siege period.
Beyond the immediate impact, the study also found that among the survivors of DKA, 4.2% developed long-term sequelae such as chronic renal failure and seizure disorders, all of which occurred during the war and siege period.
The Urgent Need for Prioritizing Diabetes Care in Crises
The findings of this study underscore the critical importance of ensuring access to essential healthcare services, particularly for children with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes, during times of conflict and humanitarian crises. The lack of insulin and other vital resources can have devastating consequences, leading to life-threatening complications and even death.
The researchers emphasize the urgent need for governments, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies to prioritize the healthcare needs of children with type 1 diabetes, ensuring they have access to insulin, glucose monitoring supplies, and appropriate nutrition, even in the midst of war and siege. By addressing these critical gaps, lives can be saved, and the long-term health and well-being of these vulnerable patients can be safeguarded.
As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges of conflict and humanitarian emergencies, this study serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact these crises can have on the most vulnerable members of society. It is a call to action for the global community to prioritize the healthcare needs of children with chronic conditions, ensuring they receive the life-saving care they deserve, even in the darkest of times.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Atsede Gebrekidan, Hansa Haftu, Berhane Yohannes Hailu, Dawit Zenebe, Migbnesh Gebremedhin, Hiluf Ebuy Abraha, Abadi Luel, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Elias S. Siraj.
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