No. 3 saturday, May 16, 2020 Pages 4

Speci

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ition

As contributions by nationals in-side the country and abroad to bol-ster the National Fund to combat COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Eritrean Embassy in the UK and Northern Ireland, nationals in Bir-mingham, Coventry, Nottingham, Manchester, New Castel, Liverpool, Glasgow, Dublin, Middlesboro, Le-icester, Leeds, Sheffield, as well as in 4 regions of London contributed 423 thousand and 113 Pounds.

Likewise, members of the Nation-al Union of Eritrean Women in the UK contributed 10,100 dollars, and members of the cooperative associ-

Communities and individuals in various sub-zones including Afabet, Adi-Quala and Areza extended financial and material support to disadvantaged citizens in their areas.

According to reports, voluntary youth in Naro-Ansand Gulbub administrative areas, Afabet sub zone extended food items worth over 40 thousand Nakfa and 20 thousand Nakfa to disadvantaged citizens in the areas respectively.

Likewise, a number of house owners in Afabet sub zone decided that the families renting their houses to stay free of charge for two months.

In related news, food item was distributed to disadvantaged families in May-Sheka, Adi-Quala sub zone and members of Central Command extended similar material support to disadvantaged citizens in Semomo and May-Lafo

Electric power lines that were damaged due to the heavy rain on 21 April in Assab and its environs have been renovated, report indicated.

According to the report, due to the heavy rain, 45 electric line masts were uprooted and electric lines providing power to Harsile and Abo villages have been hampered.

Mr. Mohammed Amin, head of electricity expansion service in the area said that the 45 masts and 2.5 km long electric lines have been renovated and that electricity supply has resumed in Harsile and that of Abo will resume in the coming three days.

Mr. Mohammed further commended residents and members of the defense forces for their strong participation.

More Contribution to CoMbat CoViD-19 panDeMiC

Support to DiSaDVantageD CitizenS

eleCtriC power lineS renoVation aCtiVity

One patient has recovered fully after standard tests at the National Laboratory and was released from hospital yesterday.

This result means that all 39 confirmed cases in the country to-date have recovered fully.

But as underlined last week, this important milestone should not induce complacency at this point in time.

Indeed, it is vital that every citizen continue to fully adhere to, and diligently implement, the GOE Guidelines in force until the ongoing task of detailed and comprehensive assessment to gauge the spread of the pandemic in the entire country with full certainty is accomplished.

Ministry of HealthAsmara

15 May 2020

Announcement from the ministry of heAlth

ation of ex-heavy artillery members of the Popular Front 3,519 dollars.

In related news, a number of ad-ministrative areas in Anseba region and owners of small business con-tributed a total of 282, 280 Nakfa.

Meanwhile, members of the Eri-trean Orthodox Tewahdo Church Holy Synod and employees of the Holy Synod contributed a total of 481,074 Nakfa in addition to the one million Nakfa the Holy Synod contributed recently.

In related news, Eritrean nationals residing in Khober and Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia, contributed additional 20,150 Riyals. Accord-ing to the Eritrean Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, nationals residing in Riyadh and its environs have so far contributed 582,950 Riyals to the effort the people and Government of Eritrea are making to halt the spread of the corona virus pandemic.

In continuation of the over six million Kroner they have already contributed, Eritrean nationals re-siding in Scandinavian countries contributed additional over 300 thousand Kroner towards augment-ing the National Fund to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, the YPFDJ orga-nization in Sweden contributed 65 thousand Kroner, PFDJ organiza-tion in Jonkoping 15 thousand Kro-ner, Eritrean community in Orebro 25 thousand Kroner, Mulue-Wengel Church in Stockholm 12 thousand Kroner, Eritrean community in Harnosand 11 thousand Kroner, Eritrean community in Boras 10 thousand Kroner, Eritrean com-

munity in Motala 14,600 Kroner, Sinit Sund-Biberi association 10 thousand Kroner, Eritrean com-munity in Jonkoping 8,430 Kro-ner, Eritrean community in Lulea 2 thousand Kroner, Abore sanitation and nursing home 12 thousand Kro-ner, association of Eritrean friends in Stockholm 10 thousand Kroner, Gothenburg group against COVID-19 15 thousand Kroner, Eritrean community in Yarfela-Upland 20 thousand Kroner, Eritrean commu-nity in Onebi 5 thousand Kroner, national committee in Denmark 10 thousand Kroner and 65 children and youth in Norway also contrib-uted 22,500 Kroner.

Likewise, PFDJ organizations in the Italian cities of Brescia, Milano and Rome contributed 13 thousand Euros, National Union of Eritrean Women branches in Bologna, Bres-cia, Catania, Firenze, Genoa, Mila-no, Napoli, Parma, Pizza, Pistoia and Rome 8 thousand and 411 Eu-ros, YPFDJ organizations in Milano, Bologna and Rome 6 thousand and 600 Euros, Eritrean communities in Parma, Rome, Milano, Verona, Bo-logna and Genoa 12 thousand and 800 Euros, national committees in Rome and Milano 13 thousand Eu-ros and Media committee in Italy 2 thousand Euros.

In related news, the Eritrean com-munity in Kuwait and staff members of the Eritrean Embassy contributed 1,462 Dinar, nationals in Djibouti 100 thousand Franc.

Eritrean nationals in Angola also contributed 16,667 dollars, Eri-treans engaged in various business-es in Angola a total of 92,500 dol-lars and other nationals in Angola contributed 58,660 dollars.

and a national living in Adi-Quala decided that the families renting in her house to stay free of charge for two months.

Similarly, members of the Eritrean Defense Forces stationed in Areza sub zone also extended food items to disadvantaged citizens in Geza-Dingur, Geza-Gerelasse as well as Hadish-Adi administrative areas, the report added.

In related developments, various administrative areas, associations and affluent individuals extended financial and material support to disadvantaged citizens in their areas.

According to reports, cooperative association of Algen Camp community and a national who wants his name to stay anonymous as well as owner of Royal Bar contributed a total of 30 thousand Nakfa and sanitation materials to disadvantaged families in their

areas while four house owners decided that the 17 families renting their houses to live free of charge ranging from one to three months.

The Denden Camp community also distributed food items worth 42 thousand Nakfa to 42 families.

Similarly, residents of Merhano and Adi-Qe administrative areas extended food items and sanitation materials to needy families and five house owners decided that 23 families renting their houses to live free of rental payment ranging from one to two months.

The residents of Serejeka, Sembel, Mai-Temenai and Paradizo sub-zones, in the Central region also extended material and sanitation products to a number of disadvantaged citizens in their areas while house owners living inside the country and abroad decided that the families renting their houses to stay free of charge ranging from one month until the pandemic is fully controlled.

In related news various administrative areas in Dekemhare sub-zone and members of the Eritrean Defense Forces have extended financial and material as well as sanitation materials support to disadvantaged families in their areas. House owners in the sub-zone have also decided a number of families renting their houses to live free of rental payment ranging from one to three months.

Published Every Saturday & Wednesday

Acting EditorAmanuel Mesfunamme@zena.gov.er

P.O.Box: 247Tel: 11-41-14Fax: 12-77-49

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Azmera BerhaneSara Alem

Published Every Saturday & Wednesday

Acting Editor Amanuel Mesfunamme@zena.gov.er

P.O.Box: 247Tel: 11-41-14Fax: 12-77-49

E-mail:profile@zena.gov.er

Advertisement: 12-50-13

LayoutAzmera Berhane

Sara Alem

Published Every Saturday & Wednesday

Acting Editor Amanuel Mesfunamme@zena.gov.er

P.O.Box: 247Tel: 11-41-14Fax: 12-77-49

E-mail:profile@zena.gov.er

Advertisement: 12-50-13

LayoutAzmera Berhane

Sara Alem

Published Every Wednesday & saturday

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2 No. 3Eritrea Profile, saturday, May 16, 2020

Ruth Abraha

Right at the outset of independence, the Eritrean Government recognized health as one of the key human rights without which achieving sustainable development cannot materialize. As such, it prioritized the provision of equitable health care along with other social services, and continuously invested in the field’s growth and improvement and sought out solid partnerships that would complement the country’s needs and work with the Ministry of Health to meet its strategic plans and priorities.

To name just a few notable achievements, Eritrea made remarkable progress in the implementation of the Abuja Declaration on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Continental Policy Framework on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and the Maputo Plan of Action for its implementation, the African Health Strategy and the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa, resulting in reduction in maternal and child mortality and new HIV infections. Indeed, the Government of Eritrea recognizes

Provision of Health Care Services in Eritrea: Status of Maternal and Child Mortality Rate

that women’s health is key to attaining a healthy and fully productive society.

According to the 2019 Eritrean International Conference on population and Development (ICPD) report, there was a strong link between the Eritrean government’s commitment and the decline of maternal and child mortality and numerous other accomplishments in the health sector. For the purpose of this article, we focus on the country’s efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality.

The health services in the country are organized in a three-tier basis. The primary level constitutes community health services, (health stations, which will progressively phased out as the system develops further) and health centers and community hospitals. The secondary level includes second contact hospitals and Regional Referral Hospitals. The tertiary level comprises national referral hospitals.

The general access level at independence in 1991 was a dismal 8%. Since then, the health infrastructure, both in terms of skilled human capacity as well as facilities and equipment, has increased exponentially with emphasis on equitable national distribution. As a result of the government’s efforts and commitment, access to health care within 10 Km radius increased from 46 percent in 1991 to 80 percent in 2019. Currently, over 60 percent of the population lives within a 5 KM radius from a health facility. This is a key intervention that contributed to the decline in maternal and child mortality.

The Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) department in the Ministry of Health handles all work related maternal and child mortality as well as other co-related health issues such as obstetric fistula and deaths due to unsafe abortions.

The promotion, prevention and curative responses to maternal and child health services are part of the Eritrean government’s primary basic health care package that is mostly given free of charge or at affordable nominal fee. Indeed, the Ministry of Health has prioritized maternal and child health (MCH),

placing it at the center of its Primary Health Care policy. To ensure safe delivery for the mother and the child, the country’s health centers provide the three crucial stages of motherhood care: antenatal, delivery and postnatal care.

The Ministry of Health has made significant efforts to provide prenatal care to all women, and in 2017, 96% of pregnant women received antenatal care as compared to only 48.9% of women in 1995. The number of births performed by skilled health professionals has also increased significantly and this has contributed to the reduction in maternal mortality rates. In 1990, maternal mortality rate was 1700 per 100,000 live births. By 2013 it declined to 380 per 100,000 live births. The annual decline rate during 1990-2013 was 6.5%, further declining to 352 by 2015.

There is little variation in the number of women attending at least one antenatal coverage

between the different categories of age, residence, educational status and wealth index. The Antenatal care coverage was above 95% in all regions except in the Southern Red Sea region, which was 86%. Almost 100 Percent of women with higher education, women in the highest wealth quintile, and women in Central Region have at least one antenatal visit during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Free healthcare for pregnant women and children under 5 years old has also contributed to the lowering of maternal and child mortality. This is a remarkable achievement because antenatal care presents important opportunities for reaching pregnant women with a number of interventions that may be vital to their health and well-being and that of their infants. As a result of the awareness raising campaigns of women about the safe delivery mechanisms, the numbers of pregnant women who deliver in respective health centers

with the help of professionals have increased reducing the risk of maternal and child mortality. According to the ICPD report and MDG report in 2015, among mothers of children 0-11 months, 62% gave birth in a Health Facility (HF).

Postnatal care (PNC) and the goal to eliminate postnatal mother or infant mortality is another area that receives significant investment from the government. At this time, 96% of mothers of children 0-11 months receive postnatal care by qualified personnel. Out of those who received PNC, 88% were within 7 days and 83% within 2 days.

For women who have suffered from unsafe delivery and face health complications due to circumcision, namely fistula, a fully equipped, special care center was established in Mendefera Regional Referral Hospital, Southern Region.

Eritrean women have greatly benefited from investments in the health sector. It is worth repeating here that as a result of the Eritrean government’s commitment, Eritrea was able to achieve three health-related MDGs (MDG 4 on reducing child mortality, MDG 5 on improving maternal health, and MDG 6 on combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases). Indeed, equitable health care structures as well as a committed corps of health professionals has allowed the country to register remarkable achievements thus far.

3 No. 3Eritrea Profile, saturday, May 16, 2020

Short Biography of Veteran Fighter Azzazi Zeremariam

Born in 1963 in Asmara to his father Maj. General Zeremariam Azzazi and his mother Metemet Yishak, Azzazi did his primary education at Asmara Italian School and Camboni Principe. When his father was assigned as Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Ghana from 1973 to 1974, he studied his 8th grade classes in Accra, Ghana, and his 9th grade classes in Asmara Botego Secondary School.

While he was in high school, in 1975, Azzazi was imprisoned amidst the political upheavals that were prevalent in Asmara. His father, who was then a senior government official, in collaboration with freedom fighters, went from Asmara to the then liberated areas of Eritrea. His parents migrated abroad while Azzazi and his sister decided to join the EPLF to take part in the struggle for independence.

Azzazi took a five-month

military and political training in Bileqat from July to December 1975 and was assigned to a combatant unit in the 8th battalion. He then attended basic medical training that enabled him to become a barefoot-doctor in the combatant units. He was later reassigned to battalion 607 and joined 8th brigade in May 1977 with the formation of brigades.

During the 1978 strategic withdrawal, veteran fighter Azzazi was wounded in his two legs at the battle of Adi-Yakob. After recovering from his injuries, he was assigned as a barefoot medic in the 75th battalion and later in the 58th brigade.

Azzazi also sustained a severe head injury in 1982 during the 6th

offensive of the Derg regime. H i s

survival from such a fatal injury astonished his comrades. But, the wound left

him with unbearable pain that sustained throughout his life time.

Veteran fighter Azazi never gave up. He continued his service in the department of demining- military training and research branch. In 1984, he joined the Information and Propaganda Department’s publication branch. He worked in designing, editing and layout of various printouts until independence.

Fluent in Tigrinya, Italian and English languages, Veteran Azzazi was a skilled and versatile fighter. He honed his skills by attending various training programs and served at the Ministry of Information in desktop publishing, designing

and layout and as a Managing

D i r e c t o r o f

Eritrea P r o f i l e

for quite a long time.

His contribution in the development of the press

department is still vibrant.

Azzazi participated in a number

of battles particularly when he was in the combatant units. He did his share in the 1976 battles of the South and Semhar, in the liberation of Nakfa, Afabet and Keren in 1977, in the Northern fronts of Asmara, Adi-Yakob and its environs in 1978, in the North-west Sahel fronts in 1979, in the 6th offensive of 1982, 7th offensive of 1983 and many other battles in Nakfa.

Veteran fighter Azzazi kept on upgrading his skills while he was with the combatant and other units. In the pre-independence period, he attended a medical training in Filfil in 1978, military demining in 1984 in Haskerbeb, camera and publishing training in 1985. He also participated in political cadre courses.

In the post-independence period, he studied both computer software and hardware that included graphics, computer maintenance, photography and

other per-printing courses in Eritrea and in Italy.

Married to fighter Saba

Ghebremeskel during the struggle for independence, Azzazi is survived by five children.

Veteran fighter and senior member of the Ministry of Information, Azzazi Zeremariam had served his country and people since his early adulthood. Azazi devoted his youth to the common cause of Eritrea’s independence.

He spent much of his life time serving his country in different domains as a combatant and in EPLF’s Information Department. Despite severe head injuries he never gave up and devoted his life to his country and people both in the pre-independence and post-independence period.

He was frequently on medical care both in Eritrea and in the USA. The veteran hero passed away on May 10 while he was under medical care at Orotta Hospital. The funeral service of veteran fighter Azzazi Zeremariam was held in great honor at Asmara Patriots Cemetery in the presence of his family members, staff members of the Ministry of Information, relatives, friends and comrade fighters.

Azzazi was a hardworking, committed, caring and compassionate fighter and was loved by his colleagues and comrades.

The Ministry of Information expresses deep sorrow on the passing away of veteran fighter Azzazi Zeremariam and extends condelesence to his family members.

4 No. 3Eritrea Profile, saturday, May 16, 2020

Thank you for your time, Mrs. Elilta. Let’s first talk about the general duties of a nurse.

A nurse’s job is all-rounded and nurses are normally the first responders to any health-related cases. We can put nurses’ responsibilities in four major areas. Nurses are first to meet patients in health facilities and secondly they are the ones who directly connect with patients, their families and friends. Thirdly, once patients are admitted, nurses are in charge of caring for them, and, fourthly, nurses give counseling and awareness raising services to patients and other members of the society. The code of ethics nurses operate by calls for their commitment to work for the wellbeing and protection of patients before their own.

How would you describe the role of nurses in Eritrea?

Professionals in Eritrea go an extra mile to serve the people. Despite the emergencies they routinely respond to daily, nurses work as instructors to newly recruited nurses and teachers in schools. They also communicate with patients and their families providing recommendations and counseling. Furthermore, nurses conduct research and analysis regarding different issues in their work places. They spot problems and look for solutions. Nurses in Eritrea mediate between the

Nurses are HeroesBillion Temesghen

For any health emergencies nurses are always the first responders in medical facilities. Their work is complex, one that exhibits utmost humanity. And in the face of the Corona pandemic, nurses are on the frontline responding to the outbreak first hand. As in every part of the world, in Eritrea, too, nurses are taking the lead in the fight against Corona virus. We dedicate our issue today to nurses worldwide and their efforts by speaking to Mrs. Elilta Abraham, Head of Nursing Human Capacity at the Eritrean Ministry of Health. Mrs. Elilta talked about the role of nurse at the time of COVID-19 with ERITV’s Tesfeldet Mebrahtu.

medical staff, administration office and the patients. Additionally, we have nurses in administration and managerial posts in numerous health centers nationwide.

How do nurses operate in cases of contagions?

If that’s the case, as we’re witnessing nowadays with the spread of Corona virus, nurses are on the frontline playing an important role in responding to the pandemic. Globally, nurses are now on the frontline more than ever, risking their own lives to protect the lives of many others. Our job is, of course, critical but it is a moral responsibility we chose to undertake no matter what the circumstances are. Therefore, we stand to serve our communities when they need us most.

The global community is now fighting the spread of Corona virus and nurses worldwide are showing utmost humanity, tirelessly serving the public. What can you say about the role of nurses during this pandemic?

It is definitely a tough time for the global community. Millions are being infected and hundreds of thousands losing their lives. And more than ever, first responders are at risk as they set out to respond to the influx of patients infected by the virus. We are working day and night away from our families and loved ones. We are assisting our patients in their battle against the virus, but we are also exerting efforts to spread the word about the virus, its symptoms and preventive measures

.The spread of the virus is fast

and can easily be transmitted from person to person. Your work environment makes the medical staff vulnerable. Despite this, doctors and nurses are selflessly working amidst the chaos created by the pandemic. How do you cope?

First and foremost if we are to provide safety to our patients we have to first ensure our own. We don’t have to be a medium of transmission. Therefore, we are strictly following the guidelines given to us by the Ministry of Health. We wear our protective gears and disinfect our surroundings to provide service to our patients in a safe environment. Treatments for patients infected by the virus include constant supervision and care, both physical and emotional. We provide our level best to help them heal physically as well as mentally because we need them to have faith and hope till the very last moment. We also are looking out for people confined in quarantine areas as they might suffer from isolation and loneliness; we stand next to them providing the care and consultation they need.

It must certainly be hard. Do you feel the pressure?

Of course we do. We are

concerned about losing people to the pandemic. We are talking about a life threatening pandemic that is killing many in a short period of time. And all we think about is how to save lives with what we have. Yes, it is stressful. Yes, we are away from our kids and families. But we have to be there for our patients and their families. It is our duty to ensure the wellbeing of our communities.

You are risking so much for the public. Do you expect anything in return?

There is no monetary gain we’re expecting in return. After all, we are putting our lives on the line. However, there is one very important thing that we expect from the public. And that is for them to abide by the guidelines given by the Ministry of Health. We need people to stay at home and be serious about social distancing. Carelessness leads to the spread of the virus, eventually endangering lives of friends and families, and it certainly doesn’t make it any easier for health workers. We’re staying at work for you; so, please, stay at home for us.

Thank you so much, Mrs. Elilta, for the interview and for your service. We appreciate it.

Pleasure.