Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41928276›Full record

ArticleHuman resources for health2026

"Words fail to describe what has been done": understanding the lived experiences of health professionals during war and siege.

Samuel Kidane, Diana Rujema, Zenawi Zerihun, Firehiwot Araya, Fasika Amdeselasie, Afework Mulugeta, Alula Teklu

Abstract read
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Article in Human resources for health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Samuel KidaneMERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. samizkmd@gmail.com.
Diana RujemaMERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Zenawi ZerihunSchool of Public Health, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.
Firehiwot ArayaMERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Fasika AmdeselasieSchool of Public Health, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.
Afework MulugetaSchool of Public Health, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.
Alula TekluMERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe surge in armed conflicts since the mid-2000s has significantly disrupted healthcare systems, leading to humanitarian crises and profound economic and infrastructure damage. This study explores the experiences of healthcare professionals to examine the impact of the war in Tigray on the healthcare system, professionals' livelihoods, community health, and healthcare services.

methodsA qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was conducted in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia, involving in-depth interviews with health professionals. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, focusing on those with clinical and administrative roles during the war. Data collection occurred between February and March 2022, with interviews conducted in Tigrigna.

resultsThe war has devastated Tigray's healthcare infrastructure, leading to a collapse of health services and a significant decrease in healthcare professionals' quality of life. The community's health has deteriorated due to reduced healthcare access and increased disease prevalence. Key themes identified include the perils of war on a thriving health system, a community hanging by a thread, and resilience and hopes for recovery. The study highlights the urgent need for focused interventions to mitigate the conflict's impacts and foster long-term recovery in the region.

conclusionsThe Tigray war had a profound impact on the healthcare system, professionals, and community health. The findings underscore the necessity of urgent, coordinated efforts to rebuild the health sector, support affected professionals, and enhance community health resilience. This study provides crucial insights into the challenges faced by healthcare systems in conflict zones and the importance of safeguarding these systems against the ravages of war.

Indexed as

Armed ConflictsDelivery of Health CareHealth PersonnelWarfareEthiopiaFemaleHealth Services AccessibilityHumansInterviews as TopicMalePublic Health InfrastructureQualitative ResearchQuality of LifeAttacks on healthEthiopiaHealth in Fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS)Humanitarian crisisHuman resources for healthTigray

Identifiers

PMID41928276
PMCPMC13173864

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.