Post-conflict restoration of health facilities in Amhara region, Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the levels, types and barriers of post-conflict restoration of health infrastructure in war-affected health facilities in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. RESULTS: Out of 180 health facilities, only 5(2.8%) were fully restored in health system infrastructures and service delivery. Eighty (54.4%) generators, 24(20.2%) water supply, 41(23.6%) furniture, 45(46.9%) ambulance and 27(16.2%) buildings infrastructure were not restored. Health information system devices were also damaged during the war. Among 145 health centers with looted or damaged desktop computers, 41(28.3%) were not restored. Mental health care, cardiac disease screening and diabetes mellitus screening services were not initiated in 29.4%, 20.0% and 5.6% of health facilities respectively. Tuberculosis (TB) laboratory damage, shortage of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test kit, lack of trained personnel, and HIV test algorithm unavailability were among the barriers for restoration of health services in the setting. In conclusion, this study found that very few health facilities were fully restored. Therefore, major efforts are required to return healthcare facilities infrastructure to their pre-war state. Ministry of Health and Amhara Regional Health Bureau, in collaboration with other stakeholders, should prioritize restoring accessible and secure health facilities affected by the northern war in the Amhara region.