24 February 2024
Mekele, Ethiopia – A family in Felege Hiwot Tabia, Tigray, is facing desperate circumstances due to a combination of ongoing food shortages and illness. Leteslassie W/Gabriel, a 60-year-old resident, shared their struggle, highlighting the dire situation many families in the region are facing.
W/Gabriel explained to Tigray Television that the family has been grappling with difficult conditions for nearly two years, ever since the conflict began in Tigray. This, coupled with the recent natural drought, has exacerbated food insecurity in the region.
She expressed that while the local community previously offered support, their own resources are now depleted, as many families themselves are struggling to survive.
Hilfu Haftu, W/Gabriel’s daughter, is a married mother of two. She revealed that her husband is deceased, leaving her the sole provider for the family. Adding to their challenges, W/Gabriel is suffering from a serious illness due to malnutrition.
Ti’miti G/Kidan, an integrated health professional from Felege Hiwot, confirmed the critical food shortage impacting the community. This lack of access to adequate nutrition is contributing to widespread illness and exacerbating existing health conditions.
This story exemplifies the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Tigray. Families like W/Gabriel’s are struggling to meet their basic needs, and the situation is likely to worsen without immediate intervention. Increased food assistance, healthcare support, and long-term solutions to address the root causes of food insecurity are crucial to alleviate the suffering of the Tigrayan people.
