In recent weeks, the plight of Ethiopia’s health professionals has moved from the quiet corridors of hospitals to the front pages of national and international news. Doctors, nurses, and allied health workers have taken the extraordinary step of striking, not out of political ambition, but out of desperation—a last resort after years of unheeded pleas for fair pay, humane working conditions, and basic respect. Their demands are not only legitimate; they are a matter of national survival. It is time for the government and society at large to listen, respect, and act—rather than respond with force and intimidation.The current crisis did not emerge overnight. For years, Ethiopia’s health professionals have endured what can only be described as systemic neglect and abuse. Their salaries are meager, often failing to cover even the most basic living expenses. Many are forced to work in dilapidated facilities, lacking essential supplies and equipment. Housing is scarce, benefits are minimal, and job security is tenuous at best. Despite these hardships, health workers have continued to serve, motivated by a sense of duty to their communities and the ethical standards of their profession.The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the depth of their sacrifice. Many risked—and some lost—their lives to save others. Yet, as the crisis faded from headlines, so too did the fleeting recognition of their heroism. Today, those same professionals find themselves on the brink of destitution, some even going hungry, while the government spends lavishly on other priorities. The contrast is stark: those who heal the nation are left to suffer, while those who contribute little to the public good enjoy privilege and comfort.The indignities do not end with poor pay and conditions. Health professionals have reported harassment, intimidation, and even arrest for daring to speak out or organize for their rights. Recent strikes have been met not with empathy or negotiation, but with threats, detentions, and accusations of “malicious intent.” Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have raised alarms about arbitrary arrests and the broader crackdown on dissent.This is not merely a labor dispute; it is a crisis of dignity. Health professionals are not asking for luxury—they are asking for the ability to live and work with dignity, to provide for their families, and to serve their patients without fear. Their demands include fair compensation, reasonable working hours, hazard pay, housing and transportation allowances, free medical care for themselves and their families, and an end to harassment and abuse.The consequences of ignoring these demands are grave. Ethiopia already faces a severe shortage of health workers—just 0.76 physicians per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold. The result is a crushing workload for those who remain, with one doctor often responsible for more than 13,000 patients. This is unsustainable and dangerous, not just for the professionals but for the entire population.When health professionals are driven to resign, emigrate, or abandon their posts, it is the public who suffers. Hospitals are left understaffed, patients go untreated, and preventable deaths rise. The exodus of skilled workers—often referred to as “brain drain”—further weakens an already fragile healthcare system. The government’s attempts to quash dissent through force only accelerate this downward spiral, eroding trust and driving more professionals away.The government’s response so far has been deeply disappointing. Instead of engaging in genuine dialogue, authorities have resorted to legal threats, intimidation, and arrests. The Ministry of Health has issued stern warnings, insisting that strikes are “legally prohibited” and threatening legal consequences for those who refuse to return to work. Yet, health professionals have repeatedly stated that their actions are not political—they are a plea for survival, for themselves and their patients.Professional associations, including the Ethiopian Medical Association, have called for the immediate release of detained colleagues and urged the government to respond promptly and constructively to the profession’s demands. The government must recognize that force will not solve this crisis. Only honest, inclusive dialogue—grounded in respect and a shared commitment to the public good—can lead to lasting solutions.This is not just a sectoral issue; it is a matter of national security. A healthy population is the foundation of any nation’s prosperity and stability. When those tasked with safeguarding public health are themselves in crisis, the entire country is at risk. The ongoing strikes and resignations are not just a warning—they are a clarion call for urgent reform.The government must act decisively to address the root causes of this crisis. This means not only meeting the immediate demands of health professionals but also investing in the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system. It means creating an environment where health workers are valued, protected, and empowered to do their jobs to the best of their ability.Respecting health professionals is not merely a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative. Their expertise, dedication, and sacrifice are irreplaceable assets to the nation. They have earned the right to be heard, to negotiate, and to live with dignity. The government must abandon its adversarial posture and embrace a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.This begins with immediate steps: releasing detained professionals, halting intimidation and harassment, and opening transparent, good-faith negotiations with representatives of the health sector. It continues with substantive reforms: raising salaries to regional benchmarks, improving working conditions, providing adequate housing and benefits, and ensuring that health professionals have a real voice in the policies that affect their lives and work.How Ethiopia responds to this crisis will be a test of its leadership and its values. Will it choose repression and denial, or will it choose dialogue, respect, and reform? The answer will shape not only the future of the health sector but the future of the nation itself.The health professionals of Ethiopia have given their all for their country. Now, the country must give them the respect, recognition, and support they so richly deserve. Their voices must not only be heard—they must be heeded. The time for action is now.