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From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Thu Dec 02 2010 - 09:18:36 EST
http://www.developmentprogress.org/progress-stories/eritrea%E2%80%99s-progress-health-and-child-health
Progress
in health in Eritrea: Cost-effective inter-sectoral interventions and a
long-term perspective Case study - Development Progress Stories, December
2010
This case study illustrates Eritrea's progress in health. The story
describes the nature of the progress, analysis of the factors that have
contributed to progress and lessons for policy makers.
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.
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