Meskel is one of the holidays in Ethiopia that is celebrated in a unique euphoric way. Despite the nationwide celebrations, some communities designate the holiday an elevated status than the rest. In such communities, Meskel is a time for people to get back to their homelands and spend some quality time with relatives and loved ones. Celebrated with special food and drinks, Meskel has assumed a notable socio-economic role in many communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has, however, disrupted the tradition in some of these areas. EBR’s Ermias Mulugeta looks into the relatively somber celebrations this year.

Ethiopia’s Big Worry

In Ethiopia, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 46Pct of causalities. This is largely attributed to the rise in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases—a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels—and cancer. Although NCDs are preventable by reducing tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy diets as well as increasing physical activity, this does not seem to be achievable anytime soon. World Health Organization (WHO) predicted Ethiopia needs to invest ETB242.2 billion over the next 15 years to prevent one million premature deaths caused by NCDs. EBR’s Ermias Mulugeta spoke with patients, government officials, and health professionals to shed light on the matter.

Major traffic accidents have become an everyday occurrence in today’s Ethiopia. Traffic accidents killed more than 5,118 people during the past fiscal year alone. Beyond the statistic, there is the story of a father or mother, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a grandchild, a colleague, or a classmate or friend whose life has been distorted in an instant by a road accident. EBR’s Ermias Mulugeta explores.