MSF Ethiopia: Renewed fighting in north drives surge in war-wounded

28 September 2026 - The current situation in the north of Ethiopia is very worrying, with a resumption of the conflict between forces of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied forces, against the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, following a period of increased tensions, large scale fighting and drone strikes, shattering a fragile 2022 peace agreement. Since 22 September, MSF teams have increased activities to respond to the increase in the number of patients as a result of the current hostilities. ​

The number of war-wounded patients received in Korem and Alamata hospitals rose from around 180 within 48 hours to more than 420 between 22 and 25 September. In northwestern Tigray, MSF has supported the influx of patients at Suhul Hospital in the town of Shire as more than 300 war-wounded patients arrived by 25 September.

MSF teams continue to support healthcare activities in hospitals in Shire, Sheraro and Korem, including maternal and child health. Due to the current situation, activities at Alamata Hospital have now been suspended. Outreach activities have also been suspended due to the security situation, and staff were redirected to provide additional support to hospitals, where we are seeing a sharp increase in war-wounded patients. ​ ​

MSF is monitoring community displacement, as people flee the conflict and is preparing to respond to the needs of displaced people in Tigray, Amhara and Afar regions. ​ ​

MSF remains concerned for the safety and healthcare access of civilians during this period of increased fighting. ​

Across Ethiopia, MSF supports health facilities in Oromia, Somali, Amhara, Tigray, Afar, Gambella and South West Ethiopia region, providing primary, secondary and emergency medical care.

-ENDS-