Critical failings in humanitarian response: a cholera outbreak in Kumer Refugee Camp, Ethiopia, 2023

A cholera outbreak was confirmed in Kumer Refugee Camp, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, on 24 August 2023. In total, 470 cases were treated between 24 August and 19 September 2023.

The water, sanitation and hygiene, health and nutrition conditions of the camp all fell short of Sphere guideline minimum standards.

This represents a failure of the humanitarian response and is likely to be common across Ethiopia’s refugee camps due to influxes of refugees adding pressure to already stretched response capacities.

Funding gaps in refugee response must be addressed.