At least 78 Ethiopian Healthcare Workers Reportedly Arrested Amid Ongoing National Strike

UMD Media, May 16, 2025

A new report by the Unified Network of Ethiopian Health Professionals has documented the arrest or detention of at least 78 healthcare workers across Ethiopia during the partial national health strike in May 2025. The strike, reportedly organized to protest unsafe working conditions, delayed salaries, and government inaction, has been met with an aggressive crackdown by federal and regional security forces.

The list, verified through multiple sources, reveals that the majority of those detained are medical doctors, including specialists in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, and orthopedic care. Others include nurses, midwives, lab technicians, and pharmacists. Most arrests took place between May 13 and May 15, 2025, though several names appear with prior or undated detention statuses.

Amhara region is the most affected, with over 40 healthcare professionals from institutions like the University of Gondar, Dessie Comprehensive Hospital, and Felegehiwot Hospital reportedly detained. The Addis Ababa regionfollows with numerous arrests from Black Lion Hospital, St. Paul’s Millennium Medical College, and other facilities.

Among those listed:

• Dr. Tilahun Sisay, a surgeon from Ayra Hospital in Gondar, was detained as early as December 2024.
• Dr. Melkamu Desse, a physician from the University of Gondar, and Dr. Azmeraw Abebe, an emergency doctor from Nefas Mewcha Primary Hospital, were detained on May 15.
• Firehiwot Dubaile, a female health officer from Addis Ababa, was among the few women listed.
• At least three detainees — including Dr. Tsegaye Tamir Akalu, Dr. Alebachew Abera, and Elsabeth W/yess, a midwife — were reportedly released, though conditions of their release remain unclear.

Human rights observers and international medical organizations have condemned the arrests as politically motivated and called for the immediate release of all healthcare workers detained for exercising their right to protest. They warn that these actions could cripple an already strained healthcare system and violate multiple international labor and human rights conventions.

The Unified Network is urging global institutions, including the World Health Organization, International Committee of the Red Cross, and UN Special Rapporteurs, to intervene and press Ethiopian authorities for accountability and the protection of healthcare workers’ rights.