Conflict escalated in the Somali region of Ethiopia in 2007. As the violence intensified, MSF exploratory missions in the five conflict-affected zones ofSomali region revealed an alarming   humanitarian crisis in which civilians were subject to violence and displacement, their livelihoods threatened and access to healthcare severely limited. However, MSF was repeatedly blocked from accessing these areas following a team evacuation resulting from a security incident in July.

Throughout 2007, MSF teams have responded to emergencies in Ethiopia. In June, an emergency programme was set up at resettlementsites in Awi zone and in Quara district, Amhara region, to deal with an outbreak ofmeasles and prepare for the malaria season. Almost 6,000 children were vaccinated against measles in Awi zone and 5,000 in Quara district. MSF also provided nutritional screening and support in affected areas through mobile clinics. After the summer, MSF responded to a major cholera outbreak in Tigray and Amhara region, treating over 1,700 people. In October, teams in Gambella region distributed non-food items, such as jerry cans or cooking sets, to around 41,000 people affected by floods. In mid-November, MSF reacted to a nutritional crisis in Afar region by establishing a therapeutic feeding centre and organising mobile teams to visit the worst affected areas. During the intervention, 116 severely malnourished children received care. MSF staff continue to treat people infected with kala azar in Humera hospital and support 10 outreach sites around the region where rapid testing is undertaken. Almost 500 people infected with kala azar were cured.

In other parts of the country, MSF was able to hand over its projects to the Ministry of Health. In January, a primary healthcare project in Fogera was handed over to the national health authorities. As the national TB programme was being implemented in Galaha, Afar region, MSF closed its TB project in this area in February. In May, MSF transferred the HIV/AIDS component of its programme in Humera, Tigray region, to the Ministry of Health.

MSF has worked in Ethiopia since 1984