Eritrea also joined the World commemorating World AIDS Day on 1 December 2016 at Orotta Conference Hall in Asmara under the theme “Hands up for HIV Prevention”. The commemoration was officially opened by the Director General of Public Health, Dr Andat Tefatsion, representing the Hon Minister of Health. In his speech, he said that Eritrea must continue to augment its existing programs and further promote effective initiatives and interventions in order to prevent new HIV infections even though it has scored remarkable achievements. He also said that combating against HIV/AIDS is not only related to health but also to all sectors.

The WHO Representative to Eritrea, Dr Josephine Namboze on behalf of the Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti read the message. In addition, Dr Josephine read the message of the Secretary General on behalf of Ms Christine N. Umutoni, UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Eritrea. She highlighted issues like access and the right to health, zero discrimination, testing and condoms in relation to specific groups such as adolescent girls and young women, key populations such as sex workers, and people living with HIV, should be targeted for HIV prevention to ensure no one is left behind. 

She added that now more than ever before, there is political commitment towards the HIV/AIDS response which continues to grow. In September 2015, global leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, including the target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This was followed up in July 2016 when countries at the United Nations General Assembly agreed to a historic agenda to accelerate efforts to meet this goal.

Furthermore, she emphasized that prevention must remain a priority. She urged all partners to address the gaps in HIV prevention and implement interventions which have the highest impact, such as making condoms available, ensuring injection and blood safety, behavior change campaigns to address risky sexual behavior and stigma. Dr Josephine lifted her right hand up and said, “My hand is up for HIV prevention.”

Following, UNAIDS Country Manager, Mrs. Senait Tesfamicael read the message of the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe and emphasized the fact that AIDS is not over and though we are winning against the Epidemic, progress is not even in all countries. On the end of her speech, Mrs Senait also lifted her hand to the support on HIV prevention.

During the commemoration, Sister Nighsty Tesfamicael from Communicable Diseases Control Division (CDCD) and Mr Ghebrehiwet Ghirmay, Chairman of BIDHO (association for people living with HIV) made presentation on HIVAIDS Current Situation and Country Response and on Overview of BIDHO respectively.

Stakeholders including representatives from concerned Governmental, Non- Governmental Organizations, Civil Societies, National Union of Eritrean Women, National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, BIDHO Association for people living with HIV/AIDS and UN Agencies were present.

Posters, banners, drama, songs and different cultural shows were presented at the event reflecting the care being given by the government and people of Eritrea; which made the event very colorful. In addition, testimonies were given by people living with HIV/AIDS on how they managed to have a positive life and the support they received from people after disclosure of their HIV status and worked on the prevention of new infection by providing their testimonies to the youth and the general population.  These received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.

Eritrea’s strong battling on HIV/AIDS will continue, Dr Andebrhan Said.

Below:

01. Students presenting educational and entertaining songs

02. A section of the participants