Ethiopia: ICRC resumes aid convoys to Tigray after six months

© ICRC

TIGRAY - An International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) convoy carrying medical assistance, food, and water treatment supplies arrived in the Tigray region on Saturday, 2nd April 2022, through Afar. This is the first ICRC convoy reaching the region by road since September 2021.

"Many people affected by the conflict in Tigray live in extremely challenging conditions, unable to access healthcare, sufficient food supplies, and basic goods and services," said Nicolas Von Arx, the head of the ICRC delegation in Ethiopia. "In addition, a lack of medication and medical equipment has placed enormous strain on the region's health-care system and medical staff."

"The ICRC welcomes the current ceasefire and the willingness of the parties to the conflict to facilitate passage of much-needed humanitarian aid into Tigray," he added. "It is vital that the assistance keeps reaching the region on a regular basis."

The ICRC convoy carried medicines, medical equipment, emergency food, water pumps, and water treatment chemicals, along with essential household items such as jerricans, solar lamps, mattresses, and kitchen sets.

Prior to the convoy's arrival, the ICRC conducted almost 40 cargo flights into Tigray since January, delivering life-saving drugs such as insulin, hemodialysis, oxytocin, tetanus toxoid, gloves, and surgical material.

Meanwhile, in the Afar region, 9,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) recently received food delivered by the ICRC, including wheat flour, split peas, salt, and oil. A further 9,000 IDPs in Afar are currently being assisted with emergency household items.