The Embassy supports the programme for HIV/AIDS national prevention, care and support through UNAIDS, UNICEF and UNFPA.
We met with representatives of Keren Referral Hospital who informed about their various services to HIV/AIDS patients. Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) for adults is currently provided at the referral hospital only. Treatment had shown improved immunity and increased weight. In 2009 there were 607 registered HIV-positive patients, out of whom 502 received some kind of follow-up (including 226 on ART). Stigma and discrimination for HIV/AIDS infected/affected people did not seem to be of major concern, and patients were seeking help and treatment. Still, when 121 tuberculosis patients were tested in 2009, 11 of them were HIV positive. To build awareness and widen competence, the life skills educational programme in all junior and high schools is contributing in matters related to HIV/AIDS. Female Genital Mutilation is a part of the provided life skills education. Furthermore, the Embassy was introduced to the support which is being provided to vulnerable children by the Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare and UNICEF. Children in need had been benefiting from the introduction of some income generating activities and provided with cash assistance, school uniforms, exercise books, stationery, and even donkeys for transporting disabled children to schools. In total, 549 pupils were provided with various school materials in 2009.
Testing Equipment at Glass Military Hospital. Photo: UNICEFIn addition, the Eritrean Defense Force and UNFPA are implementing a community awareness programme on HIV/AIDS Awareness and Sexual Reproductive Health, and we visited the military hospital in Glass. Military change agents there informed about their activities and that they spend approximately 15 days per month on the project. The activities include awareness raising on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in general, condom usage and its importance, as well as discussions on myths related to HIV/AIDS.
The Embassy was pleased to see how confident people we met were talking about HIV/AIDS, and the high interest shown by partners in reducing the prevalence and mitigating the consequences of the disease.