AGP Executive Report

Tigray War’s Health Shock: Renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray is shattering the 2022 peace deal, with airports seized, flights suspended, and internet/phone networks disrupted—conditions that quickly cut civilians off from food, medicine, and reliable care. Cross-Border Risk: The escalation is raising fears of wider conflict that could pull in neighboring regions and potentially involve Eritrea as tensions around the Horn of Africa deepen. Pharmacy Spotlight in Asmara: World Pharmacists Day was observed at Orotta Hospital in Asmara, with Eritrean pharmacists calling for stronger roles in healthcare and announcing National Pharmacy Week (28 Sept–4 Oct) focused on pharmacy practice and growing cosmetic concerns. Pandemic Preparedness Policy: Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh urged UN members to strengthen pandemic prevention and response through equity, solidarity, and regional manufacturing, warning that gaps in access to medicines and technology leave developing countries exposed. Medical Tourism Tension (Ethiopia): Reporting highlights Ethiopia’s push to attract foreign patients while Ethiopians themselves increasingly fly abroad for care—an equity and system-capacity challenge.

Pandemic Policy: Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh urged stronger, equitable pandemic prevention and local production, warning that gaps in medical access and technology transfer leave developing countries exposed. Pharmacy & Health Workforce: World Pharmacists Day was marked in Asmara at Orotta Hospital, with Eritrean pharmacists calling for stronger roles in healthcare and announcing National Pharmacy Week (28 Sept–4 Oct) focused on public awareness, including cosmetics. Conflict & Health Risks in the Horn: Renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray has shattered the 2022 peace deal, with airports seized, flights suspended (including Lalibela), and internet/phone disruptions reported—conditions that typically worsen access to medicine, care, and reliable information. Regional Climate Threat: A new study warns strong El Niño could drive major heat-related deaths across Africa, with the Sahel projected as hardest hit—relevant for Eritrea’s wider health planning as heat stress rises. Eritrea in the Spotlight: A commentary on Eritrea’s Miss World debut highlighted the contrast between diaspora visibility and reported restrictions inside the country, including press freedom concerns.

Pandemic Policy: Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh told UN leaders that pandemic preparedness must be grounded in equity, solidarity, and access to medicines—urging regional manufacturing, technology transfer, and limits on intellectual property and unilateral coercive measures that weaken health systems. Northern Ethiopia Health Risks: Renewed fighting in Tigray is disrupting internet and phone services and threatening access to food, medicine, and reliable information, with airports seized and flights suspended—raising fears of a return to conditions that followed the 2020–2022 war. Humanitarian Protection: The U.S. condemned a reported drone strike on a Catholic Relief Services aid convoy in Tigray and called for a full investigation, stressing that civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected. Heat & Disease Threat: A new model warns strong El Niño could drive major additional heat deaths across parts of East Africa, including Eritrea, highlighting urgent public health preparedness for extreme heat. Health Systems & TB: Switzerland reported tuberculosis cases at their highest level since 2018, driven largely by people of foreign origin—an indirect reminder of how migration and access to care shape infectious disease trends.

Tigray Conflict and Health Access: Fighting has surged again in Ethiopia’s Tigray, shattering the 2022 Pretoria peace deal and raising fears of a wider war that could spill across borders and pull Eritrea in. Communication Disruptions: Internet and phone services were disrupted in northern Tigray, with reports that the TPLF ordered telecom shutdowns—an early sign of how quickly daily life, including health coordination, can collapse. Humanitarian Strain: The renewed clashes follow a war that left hundreds of thousands dead and healthcare services devastated; residents are already stocking up on food and cash as roads, flights, and aid routes tighten. Air and Civilian Risks: Ethiopia suspended flights to Tigray destinations including Mekelle, Shire and Axum, and fighting near Lalibela led to flight suspensions, while reports also cite strikes affecting civilians and hospitals. Heat-Related Risk for the Region: Separately, scientists warn Super El Niño could drive major heat deaths across parts of East Africa, with Eritrea included in the Sahel belt most at risk—raising the stakes for cooling, hydration, and heat-health planning.

Northern Ethiopia Conflict: Renewed fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan fighters is escalating fast, with TPLF-linked forces seizing airports and threatening a return to full-scale war after the 2022 Pretoria peace deal. Health & Humanitarian Risk: Reports include airstrikes hitting civilian areas and injured people being taken to hospitals, raising fears of another collapse in health services and worsening access to care. Regional Spillover: The fighting is disrupting flights to Lalibela and could destabilize the Horn of Africa, with observers urging restraint and a return to African Union-led mediation. Eritrea Link: The 2020-22 war context notes Eritrean troops fought alongside Ethiopian forces against the TPLF, and current tensions are framed as part of wider regional friction. TB Update (Switzerland): Switzerland reported 544 TB infections in 2025, the highest since 2018, driven largely by people of foreign origin—an indicator of how migration and access to care shape disease trends. Yemen-to-Djibouti Displacement: Intensified Yemen fighting is pushing thousands of refugees toward Djibouti, straining services and increasing public health pressure in already overwhelmed settings.

Tigray Conflict Escalation: Fighting between Ethiopian forces and the TPLF has surged again, with Ethiopia saying it launched a counter-offensive and TPLF calling it “full-blown war,” while the UN and African Union urge restraint. Airport Disruptions & Access to Care: Tigrayan forces seized airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights—an early warning that roads, clinics and aid routes may tighten. Civilian Harm & Humanitarian Risk: Reports include airstrikes hitting Alamata, with civilians killed and injured, and the US is urging an investigation into a drone strike on a Catholic aid convoy in Sheraro. Regional Health Fallout: A 2022 conflict death toll estimate cited the collapse of health services, and renewed fighting threatens a repeat. TB Watch (Non-conflict): Switzerland reported 544 TB infections in 2025, the highest since 2018, driven mainly by people born abroad. Refugee Pressure: Djibouti is described as overwhelmed by thousands of Yemenis fleeing intensified fighting, raising risks for overcrowding and disease spread.

Ethiopia–Eritrea region health risk: Fighting in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray has escalated sharply, with reports of Tigrayan forces taking control of Mekelle’s airport and Ethiopian Airlines suspending flights—an early sign that civilian movement and access to care could be disrupted again. Humanitarian access under fire: The U.S. urged an investigation into a reported drone strike on a Catholic Relief Services aid convoy in Sheraro, Tigray, raising fresh alarms for the safety of medical supplies and displaced people. Conflict-linked displacement: Yemen’s war is driving thousands of refugees toward Djibouti; UN agencies warn numbers could surge further, straining health services already under pressure. Climate and hunger: A new El Niño outlook warns of major drought impacts across northern East Africa, threatening water, crops, and livelihoods—conditions that often translate into rising malnutrition risk. Eritrea rights and health uncertainty: Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak and colleagues mark 25 years in detention without trial, with no reliable public information on their health. Migration detention abuse: Reports allege U.S. deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea were beaten and denied medical care, highlighting ongoing health harms in detention systems.

Tigray Conflict Escalation: Tigray forces say they’ve entered a “defensive war” after seizing Mekelle’s Alula Aba Nega Airport, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to Mekelle, Shire, and Axum—an immediate hit to access for patients and supplies. Humanitarian Safety: The U.S. State Department urged an investigation into a reported drone strike on a Catholic Relief Services aid convoy in Sheraro, Tigray, stressing protection for civilians and aid delivery. Climate & Health Risk: Scientists warn “Super El Niño” could drive up to 451,000 deaths across vulnerable regions, with northern East Africa facing worsening drought and water stress. Eritrea Rights & Health: 25 years after Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak and colleagues were detained in Asmara without trial, international journalists renewed calls for proof of life and information about their health. Migration & Care Access: Reports allege U.S. deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea were denied medical care and assaulted, raising urgent concerns about detainee health and safety. Regional Policy Impact: The U.S. published an Exchange Visitor Skills List that includes Eritrea, linking some visas to a two-year home-country requirement—potentially affecting training and health workforce mobility.

Climate & Food Security: Scientists warn “Super El Niño” could drive about 451,000 deaths globally, with 239,000 projected in the next six months, as heat and drought risks rise across the global south. Regional Drought Watch: IGAD reports below-normal rains since May–August are worsening drought in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, threatening crops, pasture and water for people and livestock. Health & Migration Safety: UNHCR says nearly 3,000 people have fled Yemen to Djibouti in under a week, with women and children among arrivals, while Djibouti’s capacity is stretched. Eritrea–US Policy Shift: The US lifted 2021 sanctions on Eritrea after the emergency declaration expired, citing uneven peace implementation and a move to advance regional interests. Local Health Governance (Eritrea-linked): A US “2-year home residency” skills list now includes Eritrea, affecting access to certain US immigration benefits for people in designated fields. Human Rights & Medical Access: Reports allege two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea (including Eritrean Samson Birhane) were beaten and denied medical care, raising serious health and detention concerns.

US lifts Eritrea sanctions: The U.S. has ended 2021-era sanctions on Eritrea, saying the emergency declaration expired and pointing to uneven implementation of the Ethiopia–Tigray peace deal, while promising engagement with both countries. Climate & food risk: IGAD warns El Niño-driven dry conditions are worsening drought across northern East Africa, with Eritrea among the hardest hit as water shortages threaten crops, pasture, and livestock. Yemen displacement spilling into the Horn: UN agencies report nearly 3,000 people fleeing Yemen for Djibouti in under a week, straining already limited resources and increasing health risks for women and children. Migration detention concerns tied to Eritrean deportees: Reports allege Eritrean deportee Samson Birhane and others were beaten and denied medical care in Equatorial Guinea detention, renewing scrutiny of “third-country” deportation deals. Blood donation policy change: Jehovah’s Witnesses say members can now decide whether to accept or donate blood, shifting from strict transfusion rules to individual choice. Sports & health (local relevance): South Africa’s Bafana Bafana camp faces injury uncertainty for Lebohang Maboe as they prepare for AFCON qualifiers, highlighting ongoing medical strain around international windows.

Eritrea–US policy shift: The U.S. lifted 2021 sanctions on Eritrea, saying the emergency declaration expired and the move supports “regional interests” after uneven implementation of the Tigray peace deal. Migration & health risks: Amnesty and other groups report two U.S. deportees—one Eritrean (Samson Birhane) and one Egyptian—were allegedly beaten, hooded and pushed down stairs at a detention hotel in Equatorial Guinea, raising serious concerns about safety and trauma for people in custody. Eritrea in regional conflict: An EEPA update says seven Ethiopian armed groups formed an alliance to overthrow Ethiopia’s government, while drone attacks in Tigray continue—conditions that can quickly strain nearby health services and cross-border care. Eritrea in the spotlight: A letter signed by 188 writers calls for verified proof of life for 12 Eritrean writers detained since 2001, highlighting long-term harm to families and public health through prolonged uncertainty. Food security pressure: WFP warns “super El Niño” and conflict-linked displacement are worsening acute hunger in South Sudan, with spillover effects across Eritrea and the wider Horn of Africa. Community health research: A study on Eritrean dairy farmers’ knowledge and antibiotic use points to antimicrobial resistance risks tied to everyday farming practices.

US deportations and health risks: Two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea were allegedly hooded, bound, beaten and pushed down stairs at Hotel Bamy in Malabo, with lawyers saying they’ve been unable to communicate with the detainees; one of the men is Eritrean, raising alarms about violence and retaliation in detention. Eritrea–US sanctions shift: The US lifted Eritrea-related sanctions from 2021 after the emergency declaration expired, saying it wants to adjust policy as peace in Ethiopia’s Tigray region remains uneven. Blood donation in Asmara: Prison and Rehabilitation Service staff in Eritrea donated 45 units of blood to replenish hospital supplies, with officials noting the National Blood Transfusion Service is meeting over 80% of hospital needs. Yemen displacement and spillover: UNHCR reports nearly 3,000 people fled Yemen to Djibouti in under a week; WHO says Yemen’s health facilities are under strain, with only 60% fully functioning and very limited trauma care. Food insecurity across the Horn: WFP warns 7.8 million people in South Sudan face acute hunger as “super El Niño” and Sudan’s war drive displacement, with funding gaps threatening nutrition support by October.

US Eritrea Sanctions Lifted: The US has ended 2021 sanctions on Eritrea after the emergency declaration expired, saying it will adjust policy as peace implementation in Tigray remains “uneven,” and promising engagement with both Ethiopia and Eritrea. Human Rights & Health Risks in Detention: Reports say two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea—including an Eritrean—were beaten and pushed down stairs after telling journalists about conditions in a deportation hotel, raising serious concerns for detainees’ safety and trauma. Migration Deaths in the Mediterranean: A Tunisian boat tragedy off Zarzis ended with one survivor and dozens dead, adding to a steep rise in deaths and disappearances on the Central Mediterranean route in 2026. Blood Donation in Asmara: Prison and Rehabilitation Service staff in Eritrea donated 45 units of blood to replenish national supplies, with officials saying hospitals are being met at over 80% of needs. Yemen Crisis Spills Into the Horn: UNHCR reports nearly 3,000 people fled Yemen to Djibouti in under a week, with women and children making up more than half of arrivals as reception capacity strains.

US–Eritrea Policy Shift: The US lifted 2021 sanctions on Eritrea tied to the Ethiopia conflict, saying the emergency declaration expired and that it will engage with both countries as implementation of the peace deal has been “uneven.” Blood & Health Services: In Asmara, prison and rehabilitation service staff donated 45 units of blood to the National Blood Transfusion Service, while a separate report on Jehovah’s Witnesses says members will decide individually whether to accept or donate blood components. Refugee Health Under Strain: UNHCR reports nearly 3,000 people fleeing Yemen for Djibouti in under a week, with women and children making up over half; meanwhile Yemen’s health system is under pressure, with only 60% of facilities fully functioning and very limited trauma care. Food Security Crisis: WFP warns 7.8 million people in South Sudan face acute food insecurity as “super El Niño” and Sudan’s war drive displacement, with funding shortfalls threatening nutrition support for children and pregnant/breastfeeding mothers. Eritrean Human Rights & Safety: Writers and global literary figures renewed calls for verified proof of life for 12 Eritrean writers detained since 2001, marking 25 years since the crackdown. Migration Risks in Libya: Eritrean migrants in Libya report torture, rape, extortion and murder in detention centres, despite EU funding aimed at improving conditions.

US-Eritrea Relations: The US lifted 2021 sanctions on Eritrea tied to the Ethiopia conflict, saying the emergency declaration expired and that it will engage both countries as implementation of the peace deal has been “uneven.” Health & Rights in the Region: UNHCR reports nearly 3,000 people fleeing Yemen for Djibouti in under a week, with women and children making up more than half of arrivals; it warns Djibouti’s reception capacity is rapidly being stretched. Food Security: WFP says 7.8 million South Sudanese face acute food insecurity as “super El Niño” threatens crops and Sudan’s war drives more people into the country, with funding gaps putting another million at risk by October. Eritrea Health Services: In Asmara, prison and rehabilitation service members voluntarily donated 45 units of blood to replenish national supplies, urging public—especially youth—to donate. Child Health Protection: A seminar in Afabet focused on eradicating harmful practices affecting children and women, including underage marriage and female genital mutilation, calling for stronger health and education involvement. Humanitarian Migration Pressure: Reports from Libya describe Eritrean migrants facing rape, torture, extortion and murder in detention centres despite EU-funded efforts to improve conditions.

US-Eritrea Sanctions Lift: The United States has ended 2021-era sanctions on Eritrea after the emergency declaration expired, saying it will engage with both Ethiopia and Eritrea as peace implementation remains “uneven.” Human Rights & Health Risks in Detention: Rights groups report two men deported from the US to Equatorial Guinea—including an Eritrean—were beaten and abused in view of other detainees, raising fears of retaliation and ongoing harm in detention conditions. Refugee Health Under Strain: UNHCR says nearly 3,000 people have fled Yemen to Djibouti in under a week, with women and children making up over half; meanwhile Yemen’s health system is under pressure, with only 60% of facilities fully functioning and just 6% offering full trauma care. Child & Maternal Nutrition Crisis: WFP warns “super El Niño” plus conflict and displacement are driving acute food insecurity in South Sudan—7.8 million people affected, including 2.2 million children and 1.2 million pregnant/breastfeeding women needing urgent nutrition support. Preventing Harmful Practices: Eritrea’s Afabet sub-zone held a seminar on eliminating harmful practices affecting children and women’s health, calling for stronger roles from health and education authorities, police, and women’s groups. Voluntary Blood Donation: In Asmara, prison and rehabilitation service staff donated 45 units of blood to replenish national supplies, urging public—especially youth—to donate.