Commentary: Why I believe #Ethiopia will soon be drained of its physicians
By Ephrem Kirub, MD
Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa with dire need of physicians. According to World Bank data, in 2018, there were 0.0769 physicians per 1000 people in Ethiopia. This number is significantly lower than the WHO’s recommendation of doctor to population ratio of at least 1:1000. This is mainly because of limited number of physicians who graduate every year.
To make matters worse, many physicians go abroad every year. According to a world bank 2011 report, 26% of Ethiopian physicians are practicing abroad. Although recent data is unavailable, I have personally witnessed more than 50 colleagues and senior physicians leaving abroad in the past two years. But, What is the reason? Why do so many physicians leave? Well, there are plenty of reasons.
Firstly, physicians in Ethiopia are one of the lowest-paid in the world. A family physician makes $250 per month, while a specialist physician makes $300. Don’t get me wrong. I will not compare it with a physician salary in the U.S, Canada, or even neighboring Kenya, which pays its doctors around $1500 per month.
https://addisstandard.com/commentary-why-i-believe-ethiopia-will-soon-be-drained-of-its-physicians/
By Ephrem Kirub, MD
Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa with dire need of physicians. According to World Bank data, in 2018, there were 0.0769 physicians per 1000 people in Ethiopia. This number is significantly lower than the WHO’s recommendation of doctor to population ratio of at least 1:1000. This is mainly because of limited number of physicians who graduate every year.
To make matters worse, many physicians go abroad every year. According to a world bank 2011 report, 26% of Ethiopian physicians are practicing abroad. Although recent data is unavailable, I have personally witnessed more than 50 colleagues and senior physicians leaving abroad in the past two years. But, What is the reason? Why do so many physicians leave? Well, there are plenty of reasons.
Firstly, physicians in Ethiopia are one of the lowest-paid in the world. A family physician makes $250 per month, while a specialist physician makes $300. Don’t get me wrong. I will not compare it with a physician salary in the U.S, Canada, or even neighboring Kenya, which pays its doctors around $1500 per month.
https://addisstandard.com/commentary-why-i-believe-ethiopia-will-soon-be-drained-of-its-physicians/
Addis Standard
Commentary: Why I believe Ethiopia will soon be drained of its physicians - Addis Standard
Commentary: Why I believe Ethiopia will soon be drained of its physicians Addis Standard -
#ASDailyScoop: Yemeni Airways launches biweekly flight from #Aden, #Yemen, to #AddisAbeba, #Ethiopia
Yemeni Airways announced the launch of twice a week flights to Addis Abeba from Aden starting today 15 February.
The last time flag carrier of the war torn Yemen flew to Addis Abeba from Aden was in 2015, according to the airways’ Ethiopia Area Manager, Fouad Attashi.
Fouad told #AddisStandard that the airways will operate its flights every Wednesday and Friday weekly, adding that, the resumption of Aden to Addis Ababa flight will help travelers to transit to the rest of the world.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-yemeni-airways-launch-biweekly-flight-from-aden-to-addis-abeba/
Yemeni Airways announced the launch of twice a week flights to Addis Abeba from Aden starting today 15 February.
The last time flag carrier of the war torn Yemen flew to Addis Abeba from Aden was in 2015, according to the airways’ Ethiopia Area Manager, Fouad Attashi.
Fouad told #AddisStandard that the airways will operate its flights every Wednesday and Friday weekly, adding that, the resumption of Aden to Addis Ababa flight will help travelers to transit to the rest of the world.
https://addisstandard.com/asdailyscoop-yemeni-airways-launch-biweekly-flight-from-aden-to-addis-abeba/
Addis Standard
#ASDailyScoop: Yemeni Airways launches biweekly flight from Aden to Addis Abeba
Addis Abeba – Yemeni Airways announced the launch of twice a week flights to Addis Abeba from Aden starting today 15 February. The last time flag carrier of the war torn Yemen flew to Addis Abeba from Aden was in 2015 according to the airways’ […]
#Ethiopia: #Ethiopians grim after two years of war
Highlights
*Two-thirds of Ethiopians report not having enough money for
food
*Ratings of life today drop to a new low
*41% reported experiencing worry yesterday, a new high
The war between Ethiopian and Tigrayan forces may have ended, but the struggle is far from over for most Ethiopians. Battered by two years of war, COVID-19 and rising food costs, Ethiopians surveyed at the tail end of the war in 2022 found themselves in the grimmest situation in more than a decade.
While unable to access the Tigray region because of the conflict, the latest Gallup study conducted throughout the rest of Ethiopia in the fall of 2022 found a record-high 65% of Ethiopians reporting they struggled to afford food in the past year.
***
When asked to rate their lives today on a scale of 0 to 10, Ethiopians' average rating dropped from 4.5 in 2020 to just 3.6 today, the lowest rating since Gallup began tracking this metric in Ethiopia in 2012. This is well below the 2021 average worldwide (5.3) as well as in sub-Saharan Africa (4.5).
https://news.gallup.com/poll/468992/ethiopians-grim-two-years-war.aspx
Highlights
*Two-thirds of Ethiopians report not having enough money for
food
*Ratings of life today drop to a new low
*41% reported experiencing worry yesterday, a new high
The war between Ethiopian and Tigrayan forces may have ended, but the struggle is far from over for most Ethiopians. Battered by two years of war, COVID-19 and rising food costs, Ethiopians surveyed at the tail end of the war in 2022 found themselves in the grimmest situation in more than a decade.
While unable to access the Tigray region because of the conflict, the latest Gallup study conducted throughout the rest of Ethiopia in the fall of 2022 found a record-high 65% of Ethiopians reporting they struggled to afford food in the past year.
***
When asked to rate their lives today on a scale of 0 to 10, Ethiopians' average rating dropped from 4.5 in 2020 to just 3.6 today, the lowest rating since Gallup began tracking this metric in Ethiopia in 2012. This is well below the 2021 average worldwide (5.3) as well as in sub-Saharan Africa (4.5).
https://news.gallup.com/poll/468992/ethiopians-grim-two-years-war.aspx
Gallup
Ethiopians Grim After Two Years of War
As Ethiopians emerge from two years of conflict, Gallup surveys show residents are grimmer than they have been in years. Record numbers are struggling to afford food, life evaluations are down, and worry is up.
#Ethiopia: Security forces detain two journalists amidst crackdown following ongoing #Orthodox Church schism, ensuing unrest
Following the ongoing schism within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the ensuing unrest, two media professionals, journalist and political analyst Tewodros Asfaw, and Deacon Yosef Ketema, a journalist for EOTC Afaan Oromoo broadcast service, have been detained by security forces this week.
Tewodros Asfaw, who is also the founder of a YouTube channel called Ethio Selam was taken from his home by security forces on Tuesday 14 February, around 2:00 PM local time, his brother Biniam Asfaw said in an interview on the channel.
He was picked up from his residence in Addis Abeba by two armed security forces together with four others in civilian clothes, according to his brother’s account, adding that they did not present any court order for his arrest.
Similarly, a journalist at the EOTC Broadcasting Service Agency (EOTC TV), deacon Yosef Ketema was detained on Monday, 13 February, by security forces, the church has announced.
https://addisstandard.com/news-security-forces-detain-two-journalists-amidst-crackdown-following-ongoing-orthodox-church-schism-ensuing-unrest/
Following the ongoing schism within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the ensuing unrest, two media professionals, journalist and political analyst Tewodros Asfaw, and Deacon Yosef Ketema, a journalist for EOTC Afaan Oromoo broadcast service, have been detained by security forces this week.
Tewodros Asfaw, who is also the founder of a YouTube channel called Ethio Selam was taken from his home by security forces on Tuesday 14 February, around 2:00 PM local time, his brother Biniam Asfaw said in an interview on the channel.
He was picked up from his residence in Addis Abeba by two armed security forces together with four others in civilian clothes, according to his brother’s account, adding that they did not present any court order for his arrest.
Similarly, a journalist at the EOTC Broadcasting Service Agency (EOTC TV), deacon Yosef Ketema was detained on Monday, 13 February, by security forces, the church has announced.
https://addisstandard.com/news-security-forces-detain-two-journalists-amidst-crackdown-following-ongoing-orthodox-church-schism-ensuing-unrest/
Addis Standard
News: Security forces detain two journalists amidst crackdown following ongoing Orthodox Church schism, ensuing unrest
From left: Tewodros Asfaw and Diacon Yosef Ketema. Photos: Social media. Collage: Addis Standard Addis Abeba - Following the ongoing schism within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the ensuing unrest, two media professionals, journalist and…
#Turkey-#Syria earthquake: death toll has crossed 41,000 people
Highlights
Turkish authorities say 35,418 people have been killed in the country. The Syrian government and the UN say more than 5,800 people died in Syria.
Aid has begun trickling into northwestern Syria, nine days after the quakes, with a #UN convoy carrying humanitarian assistance passing through the Bab al-Salam crossing from Turkey.
The #WHO is describing the earthquakes in Turkey as the worst natural disaster in a century in what it characterises as its Europe region.
The UN is appealing for $397m in aid to help five million Syrian survivors with shelter, healthcare and food.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/2/15/turkey-syria-earthquake-live-news-un-appeals-for-397m-in-aid
Highlights
Turkish authorities say 35,418 people have been killed in the country. The Syrian government and the UN say more than 5,800 people died in Syria.
Aid has begun trickling into northwestern Syria, nine days after the quakes, with a #UN convoy carrying humanitarian assistance passing through the Bab al-Salam crossing from Turkey.
The #WHO is describing the earthquakes in Turkey as the worst natural disaster in a century in what it characterises as its Europe region.
The UN is appealing for $397m in aid to help five million Syrian survivors with shelter, healthcare and food.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/2/15/turkey-syria-earthquake-live-news-un-appeals-for-397m-in-aid
News: At least 50 killed on IDPs shelter in East #Wollega, attack blamed on #Oromo rebels; eight youths killed by federal forces accused of links with rebels: Rights Commission
A new report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said at least 50 people, including women and children, were killed in a attack between 02 and 04 February targeting an IDP camp in East Wollega zone, Gobu Seyu Woreda, Ano town of the Oromia regional state.
Similarly, eight youths were killed by the federal security forces after the army recaptured the city following the attack on the IDP. They were “killed on suspicion of collaborating with Shena:, the report said.
On the other hand, the Commission cited an interview of OLA spokesman #OdaaTabii on their response to the accusations given to the Voice of America, in which the group “admitted to having committed the attack. However, without providing evidence, they stated that the attack was on members of the Amhara forces who were training in the camp and not on civilians.”
However, EHRC said that the main targets of the attack were IDPs who have been displaced from different localities of the Gobu Sayo woreda and have taken shelter in different parts of the town.
https://addisstandard.com/news-at-least-50-killed-on-idps-in-east-wollega-attack-blamed-on-oromo-rebels-eight-more-killed-by-federal-forces-accused-of-links-with-rebels-rights-commission/
A new report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said at least 50 people, including women and children, were killed in a attack between 02 and 04 February targeting an IDP camp in East Wollega zone, Gobu Seyu Woreda, Ano town of the Oromia regional state.
Similarly, eight youths were killed by the federal security forces after the army recaptured the city following the attack on the IDP. They were “killed on suspicion of collaborating with Shena:, the report said.
On the other hand, the Commission cited an interview of OLA spokesman #OdaaTabii on their response to the accusations given to the Voice of America, in which the group “admitted to having committed the attack. However, without providing evidence, they stated that the attack was on members of the Amhara forces who were training in the camp and not on civilians.”
However, EHRC said that the main targets of the attack were IDPs who have been displaced from different localities of the Gobu Sayo woreda and have taken shelter in different parts of the town.
https://addisstandard.com/news-at-least-50-killed-on-idps-in-east-wollega-attack-blamed-on-oromo-rebels-eight-more-killed-by-federal-forces-accused-of-links-with-rebels-rights-commission/
News: At least 50 killed on IDPs shelter in East #Wollega, attack blamed on #Oromo rebels; eight youths killed by federal forces accused of links with rebels: Rights Commission
A new report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said at least 50 people, including women and children, were killed in a attack between 02 and 04 February targeting an IDP camp in East Wollega zone, Gobu Seyu Woreda, Ano town of the Oromia regional state.
Similarly, eight youths were killed by the federal security forces after the army recaptured the city following the attack on the IDP. They were “killed on suspicion of collaborating with Shena:, the report said.
On the other hand, the Commission cited an interview of OLA spokesman #OdaaTabii on their response to the accusations given to the Voice of America, in which the group “admitted to having committed the attack. However, without providing evidence, they stated that the attack was on members of the Amhara forces who were training in the camp and not on civilians.”
However, EHRC said that the main targets of the attack were IDPs who have been displaced from different localities of the Gobu Sayo woreda and have taken shelter in different parts of the town.
https://addisstandard.com/news-at-least-50-killed-on-idps-in-east-wollega-attack-blamed-on-oromo-rebels-eight-more-killed-by-federal-forces-accused-of-links-with-rebels-rights-commission/
A new report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said at least 50 people, including women and children, were killed in a attack between 02 and 04 February targeting an IDP camp in East Wollega zone, Gobu Seyu Woreda, Ano town of the Oromia regional state.
Similarly, eight youths were killed by the federal security forces after the army recaptured the city following the attack on the IDP. They were “killed on suspicion of collaborating with Shena:, the report said.
On the other hand, the Commission cited an interview of OLA spokesman #OdaaTabii on their response to the accusations given to the Voice of America, in which the group “admitted to having committed the attack. However, without providing evidence, they stated that the attack was on members of the Amhara forces who were training in the camp and not on civilians.”
However, EHRC said that the main targets of the attack were IDPs who have been displaced from different localities of the Gobu Sayo woreda and have taken shelter in different parts of the town.
https://addisstandard.com/news-at-least-50-killed-on-idps-in-east-wollega-attack-blamed-on-oromo-rebels-eight-more-killed-by-federal-forces-accused-of-links-with-rebels-rights-commission/
Addis Standard
News: At least 50 killed on IDPs shelter in East Wollega, attack blamed on Oromo rebels; eight more killed by federal forces accused…
IDPs in Ano town. Picture: EHRC Addis Abeba - A new report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
#NewsAlert: Orthodox Church leaders said after constructive discussions, they have agreed to end schism, to work together to strength the unity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) & its Holy Synod.
"Honey production, a primary source of income for bee farmers in #Tigray was highly affected by the conflict.
To help boost production and improve livelihoods, the ICRC is supporting 100 farmers from Beles, Semema and Sekela-Koyetsa with full equipment to keep bees and harvest honey".
Source: ICRC Ethiopia
To help boost production and improve livelihoods, the ICRC is supporting 100 farmers from Beles, Semema and Sekela-Koyetsa with full equipment to keep bees and harvest honey".
Source: ICRC Ethiopia
#Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma breaks indoor 3,000m world record
#Lamecha smashed the 25-year-old indoor 3,000m record of Kenya’s Daniel Komen (7:24.90), which has stood since 1998. Girma’s time was so fast that even his pacemakers couldn’t keep up, dropping out of the race one mile in. World 1,500m bronze medallist Mohamed Katir of Spain held to Lamecha’s heels until the final lap, falling off for second in a European record of 7:24.68 (now the second fastest time in history).
To put Lamecha's time in perspective, his pace over the 3,000m was two minutes and 28 seconds per kilometre and 3:58 per mile. Lamecha went through 1,500m in 3:42 and through 2,000m in a mind-boggling four minutes and 55 seconds.
https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/runs-races/ethiopias-lamecha-girma-breaks-indoor-3000m-world-record/
#Lamecha smashed the 25-year-old indoor 3,000m record of Kenya’s Daniel Komen (7:24.90), which has stood since 1998. Girma’s time was so fast that even his pacemakers couldn’t keep up, dropping out of the race one mile in. World 1,500m bronze medallist Mohamed Katir of Spain held to Lamecha’s heels until the final lap, falling off for second in a European record of 7:24.68 (now the second fastest time in history).
To put Lamecha's time in perspective, his pace over the 3,000m was two minutes and 28 seconds per kilometre and 3:58 per mile. Lamecha went through 1,500m in 3:42 and through 2,000m in a mind-boggling four minutes and 55 seconds.
https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/runs-races/ethiopias-lamecha-girma-breaks-indoor-3000m-world-record/
Canadian Running Magazine
Ethiopia's Lamecha Girma breaks indoor 3,000m world record - Canadian Running Magazine
Girma averaged two minutes and 28 seconds per kilometre over 3,000m to break Daniel Komen's world record that has stood for 25 years
#Ethiopia’s #Oromo, #Amhara Actors Promote Traditional Conflict Resolution
Ethiopia has long struggled with problems of communal friction turning into violent, ethnic conflict. Members of the two largest ethnic groups, the Oromos and Amharas, have come together to showcase [#Abagar], a traditional conflict resolution through musical drama.
https://www.voanews.com/a/ethiopia-oromo-amhara-actors-promote-traditional-conflict-resolution/6962429.html
Ethiopia has long struggled with problems of communal friction turning into violent, ethnic conflict. Members of the two largest ethnic groups, the Oromos and Amharas, have come together to showcase [#Abagar], a traditional conflict resolution through musical drama.
https://www.voanews.com/a/ethiopia-oromo-amhara-actors-promote-traditional-conflict-resolution/6962429.html
Voice of America
Ethiopia’s Oromo, Amhara Actors Promote Traditional Conflict Resolution
Ethiopia has long struggled with problems of communal friction turning into violent, ethnic conflict
News Analysis: #Ethiopian Orthodox Church leaders resolve schism through dialogue, restore Church unity “based on church’s canon”
The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the breakaway archbishops have announced that they resolved their differences ending a near month-long schism that threatened the unity of the church through “constructive discussion” and according to “the canon of the church.”
“We will use the challenges we faced to test ourselves more deeply, to strengthen our unity, to use it for the good to preach the gospel more and expand the service of the church.”
In a joint statement released following the agreement, the two groups have reached a consensus to work together on the issues of language within the church’s services that led to the three breakaway archbishops, Abune Sawiros, Abune Eustatheos and Abune Zena Markos, to unilaterally ordain 26 episcopate resulting in the ex-communication of the archbishops and causing the schism.
Accordingly, the religious fathers have agreed to enhance the use of Afaan Oromoo language in all churches across Ormonia Regional State and to allocate additional budget for this and other administrate purposes, according to the statement.
Activities initiated by the church to serve the mass using their native language and assigning religious fathers who could serve the people in their own local languages will also be strengthened in a way that could answer the questions of the people, the statement added.
The leaders also vowed to “use the challenges we faced to test ourselves more deeply, to strengthen our unity, to use it for the good to preach the gospel more and expand the service of the church.”
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-ethiopian-orthodox-church-leaders-resolve-schism-through-dialogue-restore-church-unity-based-on-churchs-canon/
The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the breakaway archbishops have announced that they resolved their differences ending a near month-long schism that threatened the unity of the church through “constructive discussion” and according to “the canon of the church.”
“We will use the challenges we faced to test ourselves more deeply, to strengthen our unity, to use it for the good to preach the gospel more and expand the service of the church.”
In a joint statement released following the agreement, the two groups have reached a consensus to work together on the issues of language within the church’s services that led to the three breakaway archbishops, Abune Sawiros, Abune Eustatheos and Abune Zena Markos, to unilaterally ordain 26 episcopate resulting in the ex-communication of the archbishops and causing the schism.
Accordingly, the religious fathers have agreed to enhance the use of Afaan Oromoo language in all churches across Ormonia Regional State and to allocate additional budget for this and other administrate purposes, according to the statement.
Activities initiated by the church to serve the mass using their native language and assigning religious fathers who could serve the people in their own local languages will also be strengthened in a way that could answer the questions of the people, the statement added.
The leaders also vowed to “use the challenges we faced to test ourselves more deeply, to strengthen our unity, to use it for the good to preach the gospel more and expand the service of the church.”
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-ethiopian-orthodox-church-leaders-resolve-schism-through-dialogue-restore-church-unity-based-on-churchs-canon/
Addis Standard
News Analysis: Ethiopian Orthodox Church leaders resolve schism through dialogue, restore Church unity “based on church’s canon”
Abune Sawiros kisses the hands of His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of the EOTC. Photo: EBC Addis Abeba - The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the breakaway archbishops have announced that they resolved their differences…
News: Security forces kill six, injure more than 15 people in #Wolkite following protest against chronic lack of water
Biruk Alemu
Addis Abeba: Residents of Wolkite city, the administrative capital of the restive Gurage zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) region, told #AddisStandard that the number of people killed by security forces yesterday has reached six, while more than 15 were seriously injured when security forces opened fire on protesters who were demonstrating against lack of fresh water carrying empty jerry cans.
Residents of the zone have long complained against heavy-handed measures by regional and federal security forces to contain their continued protests against government-backed clustering of the southern region to create two more new regional states out of the existing structure. The Gurage Zone Council had from the get go opposed to the restructuring as it was seeking its own regional state status, which it tabled as far back as November 2018.
https://addisstandard.com/news-security-forces-kill-six-injure-more-than-15-people-in-wolkite-following-protest-against-chronic-lack-of-water/
Biruk Alemu
Addis Abeba: Residents of Wolkite city, the administrative capital of the restive Gurage zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) region, told #AddisStandard that the number of people killed by security forces yesterday has reached six, while more than 15 were seriously injured when security forces opened fire on protesters who were demonstrating against lack of fresh water carrying empty jerry cans.
Residents of the zone have long complained against heavy-handed measures by regional and federal security forces to contain their continued protests against government-backed clustering of the southern region to create two more new regional states out of the existing structure. The Gurage Zone Council had from the get go opposed to the restructuring as it was seeking its own regional state status, which it tabled as far back as November 2018.
https://addisstandard.com/news-security-forces-kill-six-injure-more-than-15-people-in-wolkite-following-protest-against-chronic-lack-of-water/
Addis Standard
News: Security forces kill six, injure more than 15 people in Wolkite following protest against chronic lack of water - Addis Standard
News: Security forces kill six, injure more than 15 people in Wolkite following protest against chronic lack of water Addis Standard -
News: #Tigray region officials announce establishment of interim regional administration soon
Article 10 of the #Pretoria agreement stipulated that “…until elections for the Regional Council and the House of Peoples’ Representatives are held under the supervision of the Ethiopian National Election Board, the establishment of an inclusive Interim Regional Administration will be settled through political dialogue between the Parties”, a decision Tigrayan negotiating team signed, undoing the TPLF-led regional government administration which was elected into office in September 2020, just three months before the war broke out.
https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-region-officials-announce-establishment-of-interim-regional-administration-soon/
Article 10 of the #Pretoria agreement stipulated that “…until elections for the Regional Council and the House of Peoples’ Representatives are held under the supervision of the Ethiopian National Election Board, the establishment of an inclusive Interim Regional Administration will be settled through political dialogue between the Parties”, a decision Tigrayan negotiating team signed, undoing the TPLF-led regional government administration which was elected into office in September 2020, just three months before the war broke out.
https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-region-officials-announce-establishment-of-interim-regional-administration-soon/
Addis Standard
News: Tigray region officials announce establishment of interim regional administration soon
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede and Muluwork Kidanemariam giving presser on the establishment of IRA in Tigray. Photo: Screenshot ©Addis-Standard/collage Addis Ababa – Officials in the Tigray region announced a plan to establish "inclusive, democratic and transparent"…