Metro

Ethiopia: Despite truce, shortages of drugs, oxygen continue in Tigray as death increases

Published

3 years ago

April 13, 2022

The number of casualties has continued to increase in the prolonged unrest in the troubled Tigray region of Ethiopia due to shortages of life-saving drugs, oxygen, and other humanitarian needs.

Since its outbreak in November 2020, the war, which began in Tigray (northern Ethiopia) and then spread to the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar, has been marked by numerous allegations of abuses on both sides.

The war has led to unprecedented and significant attrition of health workers, reduction in maternal and child health services, and an increase in rates of malnutrition, the burden of infectious and non-infectious illness, and gender-based violence.

One of the doctors at Ayder Hospital in Mekele, Tigray’s capital, told journalists that at least 60 patients with kidney disease have died since July. This is due to the lack of supplies needed for regular dialysis.

Another 81 patients have died “directly because of a lack of oxygen” since the conflict between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, erupted in Nov. 2020, the doctor added.

Last month, the Ethiopian government announced an immediate, unilateral truce in its conflict with rebellious Tigrayan forces to allow aid into the northern province but that has not affected much regarding the accessibility of medical facilities.

The Tigray region is the northernmost regional state in Ethiopia. The Region is the homeland of the Tigrayan, Irob , and Kunama people. Formerly known as Region 1.

According to U.N. figures, more than 90% of Tigray’s 6 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 115,000 children who are severely malnourished. Some shortages have been alleviated by aid flights operated by the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which have flown in 438 metric tonnes (482 tons) of medical and nutrition supplies since late January.

However, these supplies represent just 4% of what’s required, according to experts.

As a result, staff at Ayder Hospital say they have resorted to washing and reusing surgical gloves and treating patients with expired medicines. They are also recycling plastic breathing tubes and items used for dialysis.

“This is really risky for the patients; they can die of infections and other complications,” said the doctor. “Doctors elsewhere in the world would be shocked to hear we are doing this.”

Metro

Nigeria’s future is very bright, we’ll overcome challenges, VP Shettima says

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed his belief and optimism that the future of the country is very bright despite a myriad of economic and security challenges facing the nation.

Shettima, who expressed his hopes in a Christmas message, reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to economic transformation, national security, and the overall well-being of all citizens.

Shettima assured Nigerians that Tinubu was resolute and was working assiduously to tackle critical issues such as security and economic challenges, as the country prepares for the coming year.

“As we approach a new year, I want to reassure you that President Tinubu’s administration remains fully dedicated to improving the lives of all Nigerians,” the VP said.

“We are committed to tackling economic transformation and enhancing the welfare of every citizen,” he added, while emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, and called on Nigerians to use the festive period to strengthen unity across all regions and faiths, fostering a spirit of togetherness.

“Our nation’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. This holiday season offers us the perfect opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us,” he stated.

Shettima reiterated that the present administration will continue to prioritize national security and assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the country’s security forces, emphasising that security personnel would remain on high alert during the holiday period to ensure safety.

“Our brave security personnel will continue to work tirelessly to protect us. Enhanced security measures are in place to safeguard citizens during the festive season,” he said.

“I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is rolling out various initiatives to empower you, enabling you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s growth,” Shettima added.

Metro

Zambian drug agency declares ex-President Lungu’s daughter wanted

Published

24 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has declared the daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, Tasila Lungu, wanted in connection with money laundering activities.

The Director General of the DEC, Nason Banda, who made the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, told journalists that Tasila, who was a Member of Parliament representing Chawama Constituency, fled the country after her father lost elections on pretext of being on maternity leave, and had remained defiant to calls from law enforcement officers to present herself for investigations.

Banda stated that the Commission was tired of issuing call outs to Tasila through her lawyers, hence the decision to place her on the wanted list.

Banda noted that the Commission wanted Tasila to explain her certain sources of income like other persons who were called for questioning after they were found with a case to answer.

He said the Commission had issued several call outs to Tasila through her lawyers since she was not in the country and had grown tired of waiting because this was prolonging the investigations which should be closed as soon as possible.

“We have been attempting to contact her to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation. Messages have been sent, and lawyers have been contacted, but Honorable Lungu has not responded. As of now, Honorable Lungu is considered a wanted person,” Banda said.

He urged Tasila to come forward and answer questions while assuring that the process will be fair and she will be treated with respect, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.

Banda also assured that there was no witch-hunt in the process of investigating Tasila and other politicians, emphasizing that in the past, seizures had been lifted, and property had been returned to owners after investigations were completed.

“We have issues with her, let her come and answer a few questions. It’s only fair for her to respond because we have issues with her. So we would like honourable Lungu to come and answer a few questions. We have sent call outs through her lawyers,” he said.

Banda said the DEC had, on May, 30, 2024, summoned Tasila together with the former first lady to appear before them for interviews through two separate notices signed by an Officer of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, but despite assurances from her lawyers, Zulu and Advocates, that she would make herself available to the agency, she had failed to show up.