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From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Tue Aug 02 2011 - 22:20:17 EDT
Eritrea’s progress in health and child health
Two-thirds of Eritrea’s population lives below the national poverty line,
and the vast majority in rural areas. The rugged topography and harsh
climate, coupled with the 30-year war of independence, have led to
widespread economic hardship and food insecurity. The government maintains a
policy of economic autarky, while restricting free enterprise and tightening
its control over both the economy and society in general – an approach that
has led to accusations of authoritarian and even dictatorial rule.
Nonetheless, Eritrea is one of the few countries expected to achieve the
MDGs in health, in child health in particular. Infant and child mortality
rates have reduced dramatically; immunisation coverage has rocketed; malaria
mortality and morbidity have plummeted; and HIV prevalence has almost halved
in a very short period.
This can be attributed to the high prioritisation of health and education
and a strong commitment to development among Eritreans, as well as to
innovative multi-sectoral approaches to health. Finally, in spite of highly
centralised control and relative political isolation, government commitment
and ownership have played a key role in successful health outcomes.
Key messages
1. Despite profound poverty, Eritrea is expected to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in health in general and in child health
in particular. Areas of achievement include: infant and child mortality
rates; immunisation coverage; malaria mortality and morbidity; and HIV
prevalence.
2. Eritreans’ commitment, both at home and abroad, to the development of
health and education is led by the government, which at the same time
retains tight control of programmes and policies.
3. Out of necessity, Eritreans’ experience in adapting to adverse
circumstances has given them the capacity to develop innovative
multi-sectoral approaches to health. In addition, community involvement has
enabled improved health-seeking behaviours as well as widespread buy-in.
Download full report
http://www.developmentprogress.org/sites/default/files/eritrea_-_master_0.pdf
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