Ethiopia’s Amhara Region has faced persistent public health pressures caused by disease outbreaks, displacement linked to conflict, and limited access to clean water and sanitation. Cholera has been among the most serious threats, spreading rapidly in settings where hygiene awareness and surveillance capacity are weak. In response, support from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund enabled the World Health Organization and local health authorities to implement a targeted, community-focused cholera response.
The intervention prioritised early case detection, rapid containment, and prevention of new infections. Before the response, overcrowded holy water sites relied on untreated water and lacked sanitation facilities, while communities had limited understanding of cholera transmission. Delays in reporting suspected cases further increased the risk of widespread transmission.
CERF funding made it possible to introduce immediate improvements, including water treatment points, handwashing stations, hygiene messaging, and temporary access restrictions at high-risk sites. Surveillance was strengthened through rapid assessments and real-time reporting, while trained Rapid Response Teams were deployed to manage suspected cases and limit further spread.
Community engagement proved central to the success of the response. Thirty-one local volunteers were trained to lead cholera prevention activities, helping households adopt safer water and hygiene practices. Religious leaders, initially cautious about restricting access to holy sites, became strong advocates for public health following targeted dialogue, playing a decisive role in outbreak control.
Despite challenges such as insecurity, damaged health facilities, and limited connectivity in remote areas, the response demonstrated that coordination, preparedness, and trust-building can deliver results even in difficult conditions. By the end of 2025, cholera cases in the Amhara Region had fallen sharply, with no cases reported.
The response also led to lasting improvements. Health authorities and faith leaders agreed on basic water, sanitation, and hygiene standards for religious sites, embedding prevention measures into everyday practice and aligning with global efforts to end cholera by 2030. The Amhara experience shows how rapid funding, community leadership, and culturally sensitive approaches can transform emergency response into sustainable public health gains.
