Ethiopia

Conflict, climate shocks and disease outbreaks have left millions of people in Ethiopia displaced from their homes and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

An estimated 2.5 million women and girls are in need of sexual and reproductive health services in 2026, including more than 350,000 pregnant women who require essential maternal healthcare. 

The overlapping crises have brought increased risks of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as rising reports of harmful practices such as early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. More than 1.4 million people are estimated to need gender-based violence prevention and response services in 2026.

Ethiopia is also one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting countries, sheltering more than 1 million refugees and asylum seekers; most recently, continued arrivals from South Sudan are straining already under-resourced health and protection services.

UNFPA is working with partners on the ground across Ethiopia –  particularly women-led organizations – to provide health and protection services that are critical to the well-being and survival of women and girls. This includes providing emergency obstetric care for pregnant women and comprehensive medical and psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as distributing essential medicines, equipment and supplies to health facilities and hospitals. 

UNFPA is also scaling up mobile health outreach and service delivery in conflict- and disaster-affected areas, coordinating with partners to support refugee responses across the country.

Updated 4 June 2026