The World Health Organisation has warned that escalating violence in Ethiopia is a threat to the healthcare system, which is closer to collapse, following deadly attacks that reportedly killed several civilians over the weekend.

WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus warned after reports of fresh attacks in the Amhara and Tigray regions emerged, according to a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Ghebreyesus described the reported attacks on civilians as deeply disturbing, noting that children, including a newborn baby, were among those with fatalities at a displacement camp in Amhara.

He also disclosed that several people were killed in a strike in Rama in Tigray, while attempting to receive food.

The attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of healthcare facilities and the growing challenges of delivering humanitarian assistance to affected communities in the country.

According to Mr Ghebreyesus, hospitals are struggling with shortages of medical personnel, medicines and equipment, while ambulance services remain severely limited. Insecurity has also disrupted the WHO’s delivery of essential medical supplies to some areas.

He warned that continued fighting could leave thousands of people without access to emergency treatment, maternal and child healthcare, and essential disease management services.

Mr Ghebreyesus also called for an end to the violence, stressing that peace is essential to protecting lives and restoring access to healthcare, stating, “The best medicine is peace.” 

Meanwhile, UN secretary-general António Guterres has condemned the attacks, urging the parties to protect civilian populations towards ending conflict.