Conflict erupted in Tigray, Ethiopia in November 2020 with devastating consequences for civilians. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes mainly in Western Tigray, many of whom are now camped on school grounds and other makeshift sites in Shire and other towns to the east. People have been forcibly detained and abused both physically and psychologically. Peoples’ belongings have been stolen and their means of livelihood destroyed. The healthcare system has also been systematically obliterated.

In this context, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams have been providing medical care in camps for the displaced and via mobile medical teams, moving daily into smaller towns and villages where most people have not had access to healthcare for months.

MSF Executive Director Joseph Belliveau spent five weeks in March-April as a project coordinator for MSF’s mobile medical teams in Northwest Tigray. He shares his journal over the course of one week.

Joe Belliveau, MSF Canada Executive Director

To protect communities and individuals affected by the conflict as well as MSF staff, some place and person names have been changed.

This blog series was written before the horrific murder of three MSF colleagues who were working in Tigray. No words can truly convey all our sadness, shock and outrage against this attack. We send our deepest condolences to their families of Maria Hernandez, Yohannes Halefom Reda and Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael.

Read Joe’s journal from Tigray

View more information about Week in the Life, Monday: MSF in Tigray, Ethiopia

No one leaves the base without white shirts or vests prominently displaying that distinctive MSF red logo. It makes us recognizable and distinct from other uniformed groups, especially the armed ones.
View more information about Week in the Life, Tuesday: MSF in Tigray, Ethiopia

When we arrive, we go straight to the health centre. Six large buildings, an extensive water system, solar panels, a delivery room. None of it functional anymore, but it must have been an impressive set-up three months ago.
View more information about Week in the Life, Wednesday: MSF in Tigray, Ethiopia

Medical work is, of course, our core work, but it's not the only reason for coming to all these villages across Tigray. People repeatedly tell us our just being here means something. They say it helps them feel less forgotten, like someone cares, a little bit safer.
View more information about Week in the Life, Thursday: MSF in Tigray, Ethiopia

People are also anxious about food. Many livestock have been stolen or slaughtered. And normally around this time of year the government would help provide high yield seeds and fertilizer. This year, probably not. With the planting season around the corner, a potential food crisis is looming.
View more information about Week in the Life, Friday: MSF in Tigray, Ethiopia

I am expecting to be denied access as we have been for the last two weeks, but I'm not expecting the way it happens.
View more information about Week in the Life, Saturday: MSF in Tigray, Ethiopia

Later, back at the health centre it feels like we are barely making a dent. By 1 p.m., there are still about 250 people waiting. But the medics are hard at it. No food. No breaks.
View more information about Week in the Life, Sunday: MSF teams in Tigray, Ethiopia

Everyday is so different from the others and as this conflict evolves we will just have to keep reacting and flexing as best we can. It's inadequate, but it's something.