Education, health & Social Services

Eritrea’s Healthcare Successes in the Global Health Context: Lessons for the World

Geneva is the seat for all Global Health Diplomacy and related activities. Eritrea's national health vision is to achieve a long and healthy life for all Eritreans. The WHO is the UN Technical Organization for Health, which was created in 1948 to coordinate health affairs within the United Nations system. Other key partners include the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS), the Global Fund to Fight  AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), the Global Aids Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), and the International Drug Purchasing Facility (UNITAID). WHO is spearheading the normative work on health, which informs against country-specific policy approaches.

Eritrea, a country in the Horn of Africa, presents a unique case study in the context of global health due to its distinctive health challenges and successes. Despite facing numerous challenges, Eritrea has made significant strides in improving the health of its citizens. The country has been commended for its efforts in reducing the prevalence of diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.

Through widespread immunization campaigns, Eritrea has also made progress in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases. One key strategy in Eritrea's approach to healthcare has been its emphasis on community involvement and the deployment of community health workers. This grassroots approach has been crucial in extending health services to remote and rural areas, ensuring broader access to healthcare.

Furthermore, Eritrea's focus on preventive healthcare has been a cornerstone of its health policy. By prioritizing prevention, the country has managed to reduce the burden of several diseases and improve overall public health outcomes. This includes efforts in environmental health, such as ensuring clean water access and promoting hygiene practices to prevent waterborne and other communicable diseases.

However, like many countries, Eritrea faces ongoing and emerging health challenges. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer are becoming increasingly prevalent, posing new challenges for the country's healthcare system.

Additionally, political and economic factors have impacted Eritrea's health infrastructure and access to essential medicines and technologies. The current illegal Unilateral coercive measures (UCM) imposed on the country have had a negative impact on the sector in terms of the procurement of medicine and technology. However, the government has remained committed to improving healthcare despite these obstacles. The Eritrean government has prioritized self-reliance and resilience by focusing on strengthening its healthcare system with the available resources. Local production of essential medicines, investment in healthcare education, and partnerships with international organizations have been key strategies in mitigating the effects of Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCM).

Additionally, there has been a concerted effort to improve primary healthcare, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the population resides. Community-based health initiatives, such as training local health workers and expanding immunization programs, are helping to bridge the gap caused by restricted access to international medical supplies and technology.

Despite the challenges, Eritrea continues to explore opportunities for collaboration with friendly nations and international partners to enhance its healthcare system. These partnerships focus on capacity building, knowledge transfer, and finding innovative solutions to improve health outcomes in the face of external pressures. With a focus on long-term resilience and self-sufficiency, Eritrea aims to create a sustainable healthcare system that can serve the needs of its population, even under difficult circumstances.

In the broader context of global health, Eritrea's experiences underscore the importance of tailored health strategies that consider each country's unique socio-political and economic context.

Eritrea's successes and challenges highlight the necessity of international cooperation and support in addressing global health disparities. As the world continues to grapple with health issues that transcend national borders, lessons from Eritrea can contribute to a more equitable and healthy future for all.

Eritrea's health sector has been recognized for its significant achievements toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the context of limited resources and challenging conditions. The country's success story in healthcare is a testament to the commitment and strategic approach of its government and healthcare workers in improving the health and well-being of its population.

One of the notable successes has been the substantial reduction in maternal and child mortality rates, contributing to the achievement of SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

Eritrea has implemented effective maternal and child healthcare programs, including widespread immunization campaigns, prenatal and antenatal care, and skilled birth attendance. These efforts have led to a significant decrease in preventable child deaths and improved maternal health outcomes.

Eritrea has also made considerable progress in combating infectious diseases, another critical aspect of SDG 3. Through comprehensive and integrated disease control programs, the country has seen a decline in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Eritrea's malaria control program, in particular, has been highly successful, employing strategies such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases. This multifaceted approach has resulted in a dramatic reduction in malaria incidence and mortality rates.

Another area where Eritrea has excelled is in the provision of universal health coverage (UHC), ensuring that its population has access to essential healthcare services without financial hardship. The country's focus on primary healthcare, with an extensive network of community health workers and health facilities, has been instrumental in achieving this goal.

Eritrea's health system emphasizes preventive care and health promotion, which has been effective in addressing health issues at the community level and reducing the overall disease burden.

Eritrea's successes in the health sector are also attributed to its efficient use of resources, strong government leadership, and community engagement. The government's prioritization of health, even in the face of economic constraints, and its investment in healthcare infrastructure and human resources for health have been crucial. Additionally, the active involvement of communities in health initiatives has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility towards health outcomes.

In conclusion, Eritrea's achievements in healthcare and its progress toward the SDGs are noteworthy, especially considering the country's resource limitations. Its success story offers valuable lessons on the importance of strategic planning, community involvement, and a strong commitment to public health. As the global community continues to strive toward the SDGs, Eritrea's experiences can provide insights and inspiration for addressing health challenges and achieving equitable health outcomes worldwide.