October 16, 2021

“Our actions are our future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life”

We are living in a world where millions of people are hungry or undernourished, while large numbers are chronically overweight due to poor diets. While millions of people go hungry, vast qualities of food are lost every day, either spoiled during production or transport or thrown into the waste bins of households, retailers, or restaurants. Up to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed. Food waste is filling up the world’s landfills, where it decomposes and generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is harmful than carbon dioxide. The planet will need to support 10 billion people by 2050, placing even greater pressure on natural resources, the environment, and the climate. Even at a current level, food production often comes at an unacceptably high price, degrading or destroying natural habitats, contributing to species extinction, and costing trillions of dollars in lost and wasted resources. However, the good news is that there is plenty that can be done to adjust the situation, and put us and the planet back on the right path.

This year, the World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is the second to be marked during the COVID-19, which has had devastating repercussions for food security and inequality worldwide in addition to the loss of livelihoods and incomes. And here in Eritrea, the day was commemorated yesterday, Oct, 15th of 2021 at the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) under the theme “Our actions are our future. Better production, Better nutrition, Better environment, and a better life”; and this year’s theme for the eradication of poverty was “Building Forward Together: Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting all People and our Planet.”

The food we choose and the way we prepare, cook, store and dispose of it make us an active part of the way in which an agri-food system works. Everyone is a consumer, and it is time to shift old patterns so as to transform agri-food systems for the better. The market can be influenced by opting for nutritious and environmentally and socially responsible products. As poverty and hunger go hand in hand, the theme emphasis on better production from a better environment to bring better nutrition adding up to bring a better life. This will help governments to design more sustainable policies, promote improved agricultural methods and motivate greater investment in sustainable healthy diets. During the event, a welcoming remark was given by the chair of the organizing committee Mr. Amanuel Negassi, adviser to the Minister of agriculture. Following him, an official opening speech was given for world food day by Dr. Saeed A. Bancie FAO representative in Eritrea. In his speech Dr. Saeed stated, “at the 42nd session of the FAO Conference, which was held in June this year, members endorsed the new FAO strategic framework 2022-2031, setting out the organization’s roadmap to support the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development through the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind”. This was followed by World Food Day and international day for the eradication of poverty video. After that Mr. James Wakiaga, UNDP representative on behalf of the UN resident and Humanitarian Coordinator gave a statement. In his speech, Mr. James said “as we begin the work to Build Forward Better, the United Nations will continue to support the government and its endeavors to ensure the people of Eritrea have access to and utilize productive assets, finance, equipment, and the right technology for improving economic opportunities, and others and this will entail building a cohesive partnership to accelerate the work the UN is contributing to sustainable agriculture and nutrition inter-alia, IFAD, FAO, WFP, UNDP collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture to promote the resilience by developing a National Resilience Strategy with livelihoods and resilience lens”. He concluded by calling everyone to work together in solidarity to create wealth and expand on food security in Eritrea to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 2063 Agenda on Africa we Want. MoA video on achievements in the agricultural sector in food and nutrition security followed the speech. During the event, certificates were given to exemplary farmers. An exhibition on food products was displayed during the event in which participants of the ceremony had the chance to taste the products.

In his address on the occasion of the event, Minister Arefaine Brhe said that with a view to increasing production and productivity, the government is assisting smallholder farmers as well as small and medium-scale commercial farmers through the introduction of high yielding varieties, pressurized irrigation technologies renewable energy, plastic tunnels or small greenhouses and mechanization to produce not only primary products but also value-added ones. (For the full text of Minister Arefaine’s speech see inbox)

This year saw the launch of the first Food Systems Summit by the UN secretary-general, aimed at drawing up a roadmap for a major shift in the way the world produces and consumes food. Spread over more than a year and across locations worldwide, the summit’s activities involve a broad range of actors in examining the most effective channels for making our food systems stronger and more equitable. Hundreds of events and activities taking place worldwide to mark World Food Day are exploring key outcomes of the summit and discuss the way forward. To conclude, farmers, working in small plots of land (less than 2 hectares) supply more than one-third of all the food that is needed in the world. If these food heroes are to play a pivotal role in transforming food systems they will need better access to training, finance, incentives, and marketing. To fix the fractured agri-food systems, collective action is needed, so that everyone has enough safe and nutritious food to eat, and the entire food supply chain is more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive, with decent conditions and social protection for those who work on it. For this shift to happen, everyone must play their part.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea

October 16, 2021

World Day of Hand Wash observed

World Day of Hand Wash was observed at the regional level in the port city of Massawa, Northern Red Sea Region, on 15 October.

At the event organized by the Ministries of Education and health, Mr. Ismail Saleh, head of educational facilities in the region, said that washing hands has a vital contribution in preventing communicable diseases and that the awareness-raising activities conducted in schools to that effect have registered commendable result.

Mr. Berhane Alemseged, head of the Ministry of Health branch in the region, also said that the objective of the Day is to boost societal awareness on the importance of handwashing as well as environmental sanitation in the prevention of the prevalence of communicable diseases and called for reinforced participation of the public to that effort.

Mr. Haile Asfaha, administrator of Massawa city, on his part said that washing hand is the easiest means of prevention the prevalence of communicable diseases and expressed appreciation to those that organized the event.

The event was highlighted with a general knowledge contest between students from four schools.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea

October 16, 2021

The First Cycling World Championship Medal in Africa

Meet Biniam Ghirmay, a 22 years old Eritrean cyclist who won a silver medal at the World Cycling Championship of 2021, the first black African to have ever won at the competition.

• It’s a pleasure to have you here, Biniam. Please introduce yourself.

The pleasure is mine, thank you. born and raised in Ghejeret, Asmara. I started my cycling competition in 2013 and have been practicing and competing ever since. I joined the cycling club Asbeko in 2015 and stayed there for three years until 2018. I then got a scholarship to UCI in 2018 and continued my professional journey.

• You competed with big cycling stars before the grand success you achieved on September 18. Did such competitions boost your confidence?

They definitely boosted my confidence and my hope. I said to myself that if I could compete with big stars and champions and beat them, then I felt I would definitely be a champion. My participation in small and big competitions made me believe more in myself and helped me concentrate and focus more on the world championship.

• Did you expect to get a medal at the world championship?

I clearly remember discussing this with my team last year. We were basically just saying, “If we can keep on moving like this, why not then?” We were hopeful and determined that we could be like the champions. Winning is obviously the wish of every sportsman, but I kept on pushing myself more to at least be in the top five categories. So I was expecting it as I was determined to be at the top.

• We know that the last kilometer or half a kilometer is a very crucial part of the race that determines your result. How were you able to position yourself well at that moment? and What was the atmosphere like?

I’d say the challenging part was the last ten kilometers. Those who positioned themselves at the front for the last ten kilometers were able to finish first. The last one kilometer was the most crucial. It’s usually easier if it’s a straight way as you won’t even need to push one another. But it won’t be easy if the road has so many curves because you can’t all turn at once at the curves as you might end up falling. I was first when we had only one kilometer to get to the finish line, but at the 500-meter mark, there was a left turn we had to make where I bumped into another cyclist and finished second. I then had to take more risk in the last 300 meters to get the medal.

• Eritrean cyclists are known for their exquisite ability to climb during competitions. It isn’t common to see Eritrean sprinters. But you have now proved to be one of the best sprinters. Where did you get it from; how were you able to be a winner?

Yes, Eritrean cyclists are known as climbers. But I think I was able to be good at sprinting because I focused on it a lot. When I first went to UCI, they evaluated my performance and saw that I was good at sprinting. It has been almost four years since I started working particularly on sprint. I’ve focused more on sprint and started working on it from the very beginning.

• Around five big cycling clubs wanted to have you after it was known that you would be leaving Delko club. But what made you choose your new club, Intermarche?

The first reason I joined Intermarche was because it is a club known for sprinting. So, as a sprinter, I feel it is probably the team I need. I figured my chances of being successful are high with that club. And also it’s a club that races in the World Tour category. Clubs that compete in the World Tour category are at the top in terms of their finance, their athletes, and everything else. So I made a contract to stay with that club for three and a half years, until 2024.

• Do you think the medal will now affect your new team’s attitude toward you?

I think so. It’s the first medal to be won by a black African at one of the biggest cycling competitions in the world. I think it will make them believe in me more. I’m not saying they don’t because when they first choose you, they obviously see potential in you and are willing to work with you. But this achievement is helping me move a step, and I think they, too, see it.

• I’m so curious to know how you were able to achieve such great success in a very short period of time…

This is not only my achievement; my club and teammates have helped me a lot. There are, of course, sacrifices that you have to make to reach your goal and get better and better. I’ve worked and practiced nonstop and that has helped me make progress. You can always be great if you put a lot of effort into what you are doing.

• I’ve heard that your father was a cycling fan and that your older brother was a cyclist. Did they influence you to be a cyclist?

To be honest, I wasn’t a big cycling fan at the beginning. I started to get curious when my brother bought a bicycle as it was different from the ordinary bicycles I usually saw. Also, Eritrean cyclists started to become famous and more successful around 2012 and 2013, which added up to my excitement. And I have been in love with cycling ever since. My father was happy as he was a fan and bought me a bike for 250 thousand Nakfa. I was so shocked and kind of nervous when I heard that. But I was also determined more to make my father proud and show him that it was worth it.

• You are married at such a young age and you are already a father. How are you balancing the two big responsibilities, your career and taking care of your family?

I’m honestly so happy to have a career and a family of my own at a young age. I don’t have any family pressure as we are always supporting each other. My family even keeps on pushing me to focus on my career. I have their support and that’s enough. If you are open-minded, there’s nothing that can stop you from being whoever you want to be, even if it means doing multiple things. I’m able to provide the necessities for my family.

• Any other remarks at the end…

I’m so thankful for the support of my family and friends. Their support means a lot. I’m also grateful to my team and my club. I hope to have more success and make my people and my country proud.

Thank you!

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea

October 16, 2021

Healthcare System in Adi Kuala Subzone

Adi Kuala sub-zones healthcare system has one hospital, one community hospital and two health stations that serve more than 100,000 people. All the health facilities are strategically located in highly populated areas to make their access easy for most members of the community. The hospital is located in Adi Kuala, the community hospital in Awha and a health center each in Enda Gergish and in Adi Chinuq.

There are about 160 health professionals in the sub-zone, including doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians. In terms of services, the system has an optical center, infant care center, X-ray department(radiology), laboratory, pharmacy, a branch of blood bank and operation (OR) department.

There are four ambulances in the subzone, three at the hospital in Adi Kuala and one at the community hospital in Awha. The ambulances’ services have been very important in reducing the death rate in the sub-zone as patients in critical conditions could now be taken fast to health care facilities.

In terms of the prevalence of diseases, upper respiratory diseases and diarrhea are the most common in children while in adults, stomach ulcers and urinary problems prevail. As in many developing countries, communicable diseases are also common in the sub-zone, both in children and adults. The intensity and seasonal variation of the cases are constantly investigated by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in cooperation with World Health Organization (WHO) and proper measures are taken to alleviate the diseases’ effects on society.

Malaria is one of the most prevalent diseases in the sub-zone. According to Dr. Tedros Tekle , the representative of MoH in the subzone, the sub-zone is one of the two sub-zones in the whole country where malaria is most common. Cases of malaria have greatly declined over the years, with no deaths in the past two years, because of the ongoing prevention campaigns, treatments and dedication of the health system in the sub-zone.

One major concern of healthcare in Adi Kuala sub-zone is the issue of migratory diseases. The healthcare system has a department that is dedicated to such diseases. Dr. Tedros said their work is mostly preventive but if they are faced with migratory diseases, the concerned bodies in the sub-zone work to curb the spread to other parts of the society.

Healthcare interventions are carried out on three levels in accordance with the strategic guidelines of the MoH.

The first is awareness-raising campaigns which include regular campaigns at different intervals, varying from daily lectures to large-scale community meetings in health centers. Moreover, the healthcare system in the sub-zone has allocated sessions in official administration seminars in order to address ongoing health issues as they arise. Most of the campaigns are focused on prevention strategies, hygienic practices, abolition of open defecation and information on emerging seasonal, migratory and other diseases. Then comes the stage of treatment when people are diagnosed and treated locally. But patients with severe ailments are referred to either Mendefera, the Southern region’s capital, or Asmara. The third and final stage refers to the rehabilitation operation when specialized professionals organize sessions with patients and work on their post-treatment follow-ups to ensure proper healing.

For example, the journey to declaring ODF (Open Defecation Free) area that started in 2007 has been more solidly pursued since 2019 and now more than half of the villages in the sub-zone have declared ODF and many are expected to declare shortly. This has contributed a lot toward the reduction in the frequency of deaths due to communicable diseases. It has also helped decrease many skins, internal, digestive and sanitation-related diseases.

A sign that shows that the campaigns have been successful is people’s increased awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), especially HIV. Dr. Tedros said that new HIV infections is now at its lowest rate as the number of voluntary tests increase. For people with HIV, constant monitoring and follow-up is done and the MoH encourages constant medical follow-up and treatment.

One of the areas in which the health sector of Adi Kuala sub-zone has been very successful is vaccination. There are scheduled vaccination programs that extend to the hard-to-reach areas of the sub-zone. So far the rate of vaccination in the area is more than 100%. The Polio vaccination that took place in June in the sub-zone, like other places in the rest of Eritrea, was rendered successful. Though it has been years since Eritrea was declared free of polio the vaccination had to be administered because cases were seen in neighboring countries.

According to Dr. Tedros, the sub-zone is long known for its maternal and infant health care and its waiting rooms for pregnant women. Pregnant women from all over the sub-zone and other sub-zones wait for delivery in Adi Kuala or the three other health facilities. Pregnant women with possible delivery complications are made to stay in the waiting rooms, and this has resulted in a tremendous reduction in the number of maternal mortality and abortion. Pregnant women are now more engaged with the health facilities and deliver at health centers with the aid of medical professionals. Moreover, infantile health has improved lately because an infant care center was established in 2020.

Dr. Tedros said that although they need to work to improve, so far the healthcare system in the sub-zone has not come across challenges that could hinder the delivery of health care service to the people.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea