Stories
July 30, 2024 • 2 min read
Alasa is a small community located in southern Tigray, 40 kilometres away from the regional capital of Mekelle. The two-year conflict in Tigray, which formally ended in November of 2022, led to significant loss of life, mass internal displacement, and severe damage to vital civilian infrastructure.
Healthcare Infrastructure Destroyed
A study conducted by the World Health Organization revealed that 86% of the medical facilities in Tigray suffered extensive structural damage during the war. In addition, 71% of the medical equipment in these facilities is now only partially functional. With funding from USAID, GOAL is rebuilding damaged healthcare facilities in Tigray.
Alasa Health Centre was among those severely impacted. Even before the war, accessing high-quality health services can be a challenge.
When the conflict in Tigray began, the healthcare centre in Alasa sustained significant damage that halted its operations almost entirely.
“The destruction was overwhelming,” said Selamawit Hadush, a GOAL Area Manager who is supporting communities in Tigray. “Even before the war, accessing healthcare was difficult, and the damage during the conflict made services nearly inaccessible.”
The conflict in Tigray also damaged water infrastructure, destroyed fertile farmland, and forced millions of displaced individuals to abandon their livelihoods. This resulted in widespread food insecurity and multiple disease outbreaks that further devastated the region. Without adequate water or sanitation, coupled with shortages of food, conflict-affected communities are at a higher risk of health complications stemming from malnutrition, infectious diseases, and water-borne illnesses.
To reduce morbidity and mortality within conflict-affected communities in Tigray, restoring access to life-saving medical care is an absolute imperative.
With funding from USAID, GOAL is rebuilding damaged healthcare facilities in Tigray.
Rebuilding Damaged Healthcare Facilities
GOAL is supporting conflict-affected communities in Tigray by repairing or rebuilding damaged healthcare facilities. Thanks to the generous financial support from USAID through the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the Alasa Health Center has undergone a remarkable transformation.
The facility has been rebuilt and revitalised by the enthusiasm, positive spirit and energy of its medical team, enabling it to resume operations and serve the local community once again
“There are crucial elements that cannot be postponed, and health care is one of them,” Selamawit said.
“The local community was forced to travel long distances for medical services during the period where their health centre was struggling to provide proper support due to the damage it endured. But now, thanks to the Humanitarian Response project, they have access to healthcare in their own village. On behalf of the staff and the community, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to USAID for funding this remarkable work.”
The revival of Alasa Health Centre has marked a new chapter of hope, recovery, and resilience for the community.
Alasa Healthcare Centre following rehabilitation.
