Mereja.Forum

[Zmeselo]

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Commendable Neonatal Intensive Care

@shabait

Prof. Tsigereda Gebrehiwet, Head of Pediatrics at Orotta National Referral Hospital, stated that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is providing commendable healthcare services, equipped with modern facilities.



Prof. Tsigereda indicated, that the unit has been renovated and upgraded with advanced equipment as part of the long-standing cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the German Archemed Medical Association. She also noted, that the high-quality healthcare services being delivered will contribute significantly to the reduction of the overall infant mortality rate.



Highlighting that the unit will serve infants from across the country, Dr. Zemicael Okbu, pediatric specialist, and Sister Elsa Zomo, head nurse, said that the project will play a vital role in their daily efforts to save the lives of infants brought to the hospital for treatment.








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EMN - ኤርትራ ኣብ ልምዓት - Eritrean Media Network

[Zmeselo]

Nation Building
From Scarcity to Sustainability: Eritrea’s Water Transformation

By: Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

https://shabait.com/2025/04/17/from-sca ... formation/

Apr 17, 2025



Situated within the Sahelian Belt, Eritrea is characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions and has endured recurrent, often severe, droughts for decades. The country’s surface water is distributed across five major river basin systems: Setit, Mereb-Gash, Red Sea Basin, Barka-Ansebas, and Danakil Ba. These basins’ estimated mean annual runoff, is approximately 9,967 million cubic meters (Mm³). Of this volume, about 932 Mm³ flows eastward – much of it entering the Red Sea – while around 8,613 Mm³ flows westward. The remaining 422 Mm³, is retained within depressions and inland basins.

Although limited in volume, groundwater remains Eritrea’s most reliable source of freshwater. However, rivers, lakes, and aquifers across the country are increasingly under pressure due to overexploitation, deforestation, minimal recharge practices, and the growing impact of climate change.

Eritrea’s water sector is crucial to sustainable development, as in other nations. It is pivotal in promoting economic growth, poverty reduction, food security, and environmental conservation. It also supports industrial modernization, tourism, and agricultural productivity.



In response, the Ministry of Land, Water, and Environment has introduced a comprehensive legal and policy framework to guide the sustainable management of water resources. Eritrea’s Water Policy, Water Law, Water Sector Institutional Framework, and Water Sector for Human Development documents – initially drafted in 1997 and revised in 2007 – promote principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). These policies emphasize inclusive participation across all population groups and economic sectors in water use, planning, and development.

Eritrea’s Impressive Gains in Water Access

Thanks to targeted investments in infrastructure, supportive policies, and broad-based development efforts, Eritrea’s access to clean and safe water has dramatically improved. Nationally, water access has surged from just 13% in 1991 to around 85% today.

In line with the guiding principle of “leaving no one behind” and Eritrea’s commitment to equity and social justice, significant strides have been made in narrowing the rural-urban divide. Urban water access has risen from 30% to over 92%, while rural coverage has expanded from 7% to nearly 80%.

This progress extends to public institutions as well. Over 50% of schools nationwide now have access to safe water—an impressive improvement from previous years. Similarly, water access in health facilities has advanced considerably, contributing to better hygiene, safer childbirth, and reduced neonatal mortality.



Building Resilience Through Infrastructure and Partnerships

A cornerstone of Eritrea’s strategy has been, the large scale development of water infrastructure. Through coordinated efforts by the government, communities, and other national stakeholders, the number of dams and ponds has grown from 138 at independence to nearly 800 today—significantly enhancing national water storage and distribution capacity.

In 2023 alone, 16 micro-dams were completed, and were slated for completion in last year. Furthermore, 17 micro-dams have been scheduled to be launched across 2024/25, underscoring the country’s sustained commitment to expanding access and building resilience.

Partnerships and cooperation with international development organizations also play a key role in Eritrea’s efforts, providing technical expertise, funding support, and capacity-building. Through these collaborations, Eritrea is enhancing its ability to implement sustainable water projects and scale innovative solutions nationwide.



Looking Forward

While Eritrea’s achievements are commendable, the country remains focused on further strengthening its water security. Recognizing that agriculture consumes most freshwater resources, efforts are being made to improve water use efficiency through modern irrigation methods, conservation technologies, and knowledge development.

The country is gradually shifting from traditional furrow irrigation systems to more efficient pressurized irrigation. Simultaneously, outdated pipelines are being replaced and new ones installed to extend reliable access to clean water across more communities. In parallel, Eritrea is taking proactive steps to protect ecosystems that rely on freshwater, ensuring that environmental sustainability remains a central pillar of its water strategy.

A catalyst for transformation and a powerful example

Water is more than a resource – it is a lifeline and a catalyst for transformation. Eritrea’s comprehensive and inclusive approach to water management offers a powerful example of how even resource-constrained nations can make remarkable progress through vision, commitment, and collective action. As the global community races toward the 2030 SDGs, Eritrea’s experience underscores the importance of integrated solutions and long-term resilience planning in securing a water-secure future for all.




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ERITREA ― More than 85% of the population now has access to safely managed drinking water. In comparison:

Ethiopia = 49.6%
Sudan = 60%
Djibouti = 65%
Somalia = 55%

Eritrea’s higher achievements in most development measures including access to clean water, healthcare, education, food security, etc. compared to its sub-Saharan peers demonstrate the government’s clear focus and dedication to national development.

[Zmeselo]

How Nigeria, Eritrea, Ethiopia Are Becoming Key FDI Sources for Rwanda


Inside the sorting and cleaning factory which is one of yared ghebremichael's investments in Rwanda. The factory is located at Rugende in Gasabo diatrict. Emmanuel Dushimimana

By Hudson Kuteesa

https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/2573 ... for-rwanda

April 17, 2025

African countries Nigeria, Eritrea, and Ethiopia stood out among the top ten sources of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Rwanda in 2024, contributing over $464 million in FDIs.

Nigeria in particular was fourth on the list of FDI sources with $313 million, while Eritrea was eighth with $93.5 million, and Ethiopia came ninth with $57.6 million.

In general, statistics from Rwanda Development Board (RDB)'s 2024 report, showed that Rwanda registered 612 investment projects in 2024, with a total value of $3.2 billion, a 32.4 per cent increase compared to the $2.4 billion recorded in 2023.

China and India topped the list of countries investing in Rwanda, as China accounted for $460 million (14.1 per cent), while India followed, with $445.1 million (13.6 per cent).

Speaking about the three African countries' contribution, Jean-Claude Rwubahuka, an economy and financial expert, said the 2024 data demonstrates a promising shift where African nations are recognising the value of investing within the continent, and Rwanda is becoming a key magnet.

Talking specifically about Eritrea and Ethiopia's FDI presence, he noted that Eritrea's contribution could be based on the country's diaspora influence, where much of the FDI may come from the Eritrean diaspora which wants to leverage Rwanda's stability to launch ventures.

Eritrean investments are likely small to medium-scale projects in services, hospitality, education, capitalising on Rwanda's open investment regime. Then they are looking at emerging reforms, where Eritrea's limited domestic investment options may be pushing outward, looking for capital flows into receptive African markets,

he added.

Regarding Ethiopia, he said, they are targeting strategic expansion, increasingly viewing Rwanda as a partner in aviation, logistics, giving an example of Ethiopian Airlines, which he says has always been successful in the country.

He also pointed at Ethiopia's Pan-African outlook, since they host the African Union.

So Ethiopian state-owned and private sector actors are shifting toward continental expansion to buffer domestic policy constraints,

he added.

Talking about why Nigeria is a strong contributor of FDI to Rwanda with 22 projects, contributing around $313 million.

He credited it to a number of things including the fact that Nigerian businesses, especially in banking, like Access Bank, in ICT and in logistics, are diversifying beyond West Africa to stable and high-growth environments like Rwanda.

Another point he noted is collaboration where Nigeria and Rwanda have signed multiple bilateral agreements, promoting trade and investment, supported by regular diplomatic engagements.

Another thing, he said, is about private sector expansion, where Nigerian conglomerates view Rwanda as a springboard to expand into Eastern and Central Africa.

But we can also not ignore Rwanda's ease of doing business. Nigerian elite investors are attracted to Rwanda's streamlined business environment, the rule of law, and good infrastructure,

he noted.

Daniel Amateye Anim, a Ghanaian economist, says the progress made by African economies like Ethiopia and Eritrea is setting the pace for other African countries to follow suit.

To me, that's the way to change the narrative in terms of our economic model, where we solely rely on countries like China, the United States, and Europe to develop our economies. Once we mobilise resources among ourselves as respective economies and countries and invest in other economies, it reassures that we are ready for better investment, we are ready for trade, we are ready for growth,

he noted.

African FDIs on the continent are very important. For any continent to develop, for any nation to develop, they should be able to control the resources that they have. What I mean by control is that their businesses should be able to dictate the pace and the direction of the growth of the economy,

he added.

According to the RDB report, the top sectors that attracted significant investments in the country in 2023 were real estate with slightly more than $350 million, manufacturing with $300 million, and arts entertainment, and recreation with over $270 million.

Accommodation and food service activities attracted more than $223.6 million. Others were construction with $208.6 million, agriculture, forestry and fishing with slightly over $206 million, and administrative and support service activities with $173.2 million.

On the other hand, agro-processing attracted $137 million, financial and insurance activities with $128.4 million, and electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply with $103.8 million.

While the overall performance of 2023 was better than that of the previous year, it falls short of $3.74 billion that was registered in 2021, as per data from the report.

Jean-Guy Africa, RDB CEO, says RDB is dedicated to attracting over $3 billion in new investments, continuing to enhance Rwanda's reputation as Africa's premier business destination.

Additionally, we aim to generate tourism revenues exceeding USD 700 million by showcasing Rwanda as a leading global destination for leisure, wildlife conservation, and international events,

he said.

Our commitment includes improved service delivery, the continued expansion of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and the comprehensive digitisation of our investment processes. These initiatives will foster an environment conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and increased ease of doing business,

he added.





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ኤርትራዊ ኣቶ መንግስተኣብ ጸጋይ፡ ኣብ ካናዳ ብዝገበሮ ብሉጽ ኣበርክቶ ክቡር ናይ ንጉስ ቻርለስ ሳልሳይ፡ መዳልያ ተቀቢሉ።




We are honored to announce that Mr. Mengistab (Mengis) Tsegaye, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the World Skills Employment Centre, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his exceptional leadership and transformative contributions to Canadian society.



For over 27 years, Mr. Tsegaye has been a visionary advocate for equitable employment opportunities, dedicating his career to empowering internationally trained professionals to succeed in Canada. Under his stewardship, World Skills grew from a one-person initiative in 1997 into a leading organization with over 50 staff members and 10+ specialized programs, enabling thousands of newcomers to launch fulfilling careers and enrich our nation’s social and economic fabric.



As a proud member of the Eritrean Canadian community, Mr. Tsegaye has also serves as an inspirational role model, demonstrating how perseverance, cultural pride, and civic engagement can forge pathways to success.

@EritreaCanada

[Zmeselo]

ብጹእ ወቅዱስ ኣቡነ ባሲሊዮስ ቀዳማዊ 6ይ ፓትርያርክ ወርእሰ ሊቃነ ፓፓሳት ዘኦርቶዶክስ ቤተ-ክርስትያ ኤርትራ ብምኽንያት በዓል ትንሳኤ ጎይታናን ኣምላኽናን መድሓኒና የሱስ ክርስቶስ ቃለ ቡራከ ሂቦም።

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History & Culture
The Great Lent: A time of Profound Introspection and Spiritual Discipline

Shighey Abraha

https://shabait.com/2025/04/16/the-grea ... iscipline/

Apr 16, 2025



In Eritrea, April ushers in a transition period marked by the arrival of “Azmera,” the nascent quasi-season that signals the end of the Great Fast. For rural communities deeply intertwined with agriculture, this month is eagerly anticipated. Azmera’s gentle rainfall provides the vital moisture needed to sow seeds, preparing the land for the heavier summer rains.

Meanwhile, in urban centers, residents weary of the dry winter sun yearn for Azmera’s temperate breezes brought by the sporadic showers. This anticipation is heightened by the approach of Easter, the culmination of the lengthy spiritual observance of Great Lent.

The Great Lent, known traditionally as “Tsom Arba’a,” is one of Christianity’s most significant and protracted fasting periods. This season, is a time of profound introspection and spiritual discipline in Eritrea. Nearly half the nation engages in this period of sobriety, supplication, and self-examination.



Religion, a cornerstone of cultural heritage, shapes the very fabric of society. It serves as a vital instrument in fostering social harmony and balancing diversity. During the fifty-five days of the Great Lent, Christian adherents are guided by righteous conduct, emphasizing moral growth, self-improvement, and goodwill. The harmonious coexistence of citizens during “Tsom Arba’a” is palpable. The sight of believers, spending their days fasting and praying and their evenings sharing meals with neighbors and friends—including those of different faiths—is a testament to this unity. This practice transcends religious ritual, a powerful tool for building cohesion across religious and ethnic diversities.

Beyond its spiritual and social significance, the Great Lent offers a unique culinary experience. While it doesn’t necessitate complete abstinence from food throughout the day, Lenten meals, typically consumed in the afternoon, require strict avoidance of meat, dairy, fish, and eggs. The traditional dishes prepared during this period are visually appealing, flavorful, highly nutritious, and low in fat. For nearly two months, those observing the fast abstain from these prohibited foods.

This year, Lent began in February, with Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Sunday, falling on April 20th. The preceding months saw believers dedicating themselves to fasting, personal and communal prayer, confession, self-reflection, and mutual support. Sunday, April 13th, a national holiday, commemorated Hosanna Palm Sunday, marking Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Churches distributed palm branches, which were intricately woven into crucifixes, decorative rings, and other ornaments. Crafting these palm leaves, particularly the pyramid-shaped rings known as “Shbo” in Tigrinya, has become an integral part of Eritrean culture. Though rooted in spiritual practice, these rings are often worn for their aesthetic appeal, even by non-Christians, as a unique annual tradition.



Passion Week, or Holy Week, known locally as “Hmamat,” represents the final, most intense week of Lent before Easter. This period is characterized by deepened spiritual engagement, with believers devoting more time to religious practices. Meals are prepared later in the day, and stricter observances are followed, including abstaining from handshaking, clapping, and secular music. The palpable sense of harmony during this time is mainly due to non-Christians’ respect for the believers’ observances.

Maundy Thursday, or “Hamus Tsgbo,” features the traditional preparation of “Ttqo,” a high protein cereal dish. The custom of mothers cooking “Ttqo” outdoors and sharing it with neighbors and passersby, regardless of their faith, is a poignant expression of community spirit.

The culmination of the Great Lent and Passion Week is Good Friday, or “Arbi Sqlet,” which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This day of mourning and reflection sees schools, workplaces, and some public services closed. Many believers spend the day in churches. At 6 PM, families and neighbors gather for a meal, breaking an eighteen-hour fast. Holy Saturday is marked by congregants dressed in white, attending church services until midnight. After midnight, they return home to break the Lenten fast with a feast, often featuring traditional porridge, “Ge’at.” Many, particularly in Asmara, eagerly anticipate the return of milk-based drinks like macchiato or savory dishes like “Zgni” and omelets.



This year, the overlapping of the Christian Lent (February 24th – April 20th) and the Muslim Ramadan (March 1st – 30th) highlighted the shared values of self-reflection and unity across religious boundaries. While expressed differently, fasting in both religions embodies a strong value system that promotes self-reflection and fosters a robust sense of unity within diversity. Eritrean culture’s deep respect for both religions is evident in the annual observance of these cultural and religious rituals, serving as a constant reminder of the solidarity and coherence that underpins the nation.



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A week of deep reflection and humility before God.






Architectural elegance, natural sounds and landscape beauty of Eritrea's Medieval Churches. Southern Region, Adi-Nala. @ERIHominin

[Zmeselo]

Nation Building
Safer Blood for All: Eritrea Launches a National Haemovigilance System.

By Heaven Yohannes Habte, National Medicines and Food Administration, Ministry of Health

https://shabait.com/2025/04/16/safer-bl ... ce-system/

Apr 16, 2025



Building upon significant strides in the capacity and coverage of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Eritrea has taken a crucial step to fortify blood safety with the official launch of its National Haemovigilance System. The landmark ceremony took place on April 09, 2025, at the Orotta National Referral Hospital’s Conference Hall in Asmara, marking a significant stride towards enhancing the safety and quality of blood transfusion practices nationwide.

The event, a collaborative effort between the National Blood Transfusion Service and the National Medicines and Food Administration, drew a diverse and engaged audience. High-ranking officials from the Ministry of Health attended the occasion, underscoring the government’s commitment to this crucial initiative. Members from both organizing bodies were also present, alongside representatives from blood establishments spanning all six regions of Eritrea, demonstrating the nationwide scope of this undertaking. Many healthcare professionals, the frontline guardians of patient wellbeing, attended the launch.

Blood transfusion is a lifesaving intervention and a vital component of the healthcare system. However, this life-saving intervention is not without risk. Adverse reactions, transmission infections, and other incidences are possible risks of blood transfusion. Therefore, introducing measures to enhance the safety, quality, and efficacy of blood and blood products becomes necessary in enhancing patient safety.



Haemovigilance, the systematic monitoring and evaluation of transfusion-related adverse events, is essential for identifying, understanding, and preventing these events, ultimately enhancing patient safety. It includes monitoring, reporting, investigating, and analyzing adverse events related to the donation, processing, and transfusion of blood and taking action to prevent their occurrence or recurrence. In recognition of this need, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) and the National Medicines and Food Administration (NMFA) initiated a joint collaboration aimed at the safety monitoring of blood and blood products. As such, a National Haemovigilance system was established.

The primary objectives of the launch were multi-faceted. Firstly, it aimed to foster a shared understanding among all involved parties regarding the critical role and purpose of a national haemovigilance system. Secondly, the event focused on promoting the practical implementation of the system, laying out a clear roadmap for its rollout nationwide. A significant emphasis was placed on creating a culture of reporting, actively working to eliminate any hesitations, and encouraging transparency in documenting adverse transfusion events. Finally, the launch sought to foster seamless collaboration and communication between healthcare providers, hospital blood banks, and the national regulatory bodies. Dr. Yohannes Tekeste, Medical Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, officially opened the workshop. Dr. Yohannes welcomed participants and provided an overview of the NBTS by providing the structure, operations, and key functions, including blood collection, processing, storage, and distribution. He also highlighted the center’s goal, strategic objectives, achievements, and challenges.

An overview of the National Medicines and Food Administration was also provided by Mr. Iyassu Bahta, Director of the National Medicines and Food Administration. Mr. Iyassu’s presentation detailed the roles and responsibilities of the national regulatory authority in Eritrea concerning medicines and food safety, highlighting its interaction with the blood transfusion service. Mr. Iyassu further oriented participants with the workshop’s objectives and expected outcomes.



The workshop then delved into the core topic of haemovigilance with a presentation on haemovigilance terminologies. This session, presented by Mr. Natnael Russom from the NMFA, defined key terms and concepts for understanding and participating in haemovigilance activities. As a member of the NMFA, I also highlighted the importance of haemovigilance. The presentation emphasized the role of haemovigilance in improving blood safety, preventing adverse transfusion reactions, and enhancing the quality of the blood transfusion process.

A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to blood transfusion-related adverse reactions and their management. Ms. Senet Awelkier from the NBTS presented the different types of adverse reactions that can occur during or after blood transfusion, their clinical manifestations, and the appropriate strategies for immediate management. A discussion session followed, during which participants provided their comments, questions, and areas for improvement regarding the presentations, and presenters provided appropriate feedback.

Building upon this, Mr. Selomon Eyob from the NBTS conducted a session investigating blood transfusion-related reactions. This presentation outlined the procedures and protocols for thoroughly investigating adverse reactions to identify the root causes and implement preventive measures. The workshop also addressed the practical reporting aspects with a presentation on the channels and timelines of reporting blood transfusion-related adverse reactions. This session, presented by Mr. Nahom Yacob, detailed the established pathways for reporting adverse events and the expected timeframes for such reporting within the national system. The workshop concluded with a presentation by Dr. Mulugeta Russom from the NMFA on the governance and coordination mechanism of the national haemovigilance system in Eritrea. This session described the organizational structure, the responsibilities of different stakeholders, and the mechanisms in place for effective coordination and oversight of haemovigilance activities at the national level.



The event was not merely a formal declaration but a dynamic and interactive event, significantly enriched by the active engagement of participants. Throughout the workshop sessions, attendees contributed valuable comments, posed insightful questions, and offered practical recommendations based on their diverse experiences and perspectives within the Eritrean healthcare system. This atmosphere of active participation fostered a collaborative learning environment, demonstrating a strong collective commitment to strengthening blood safety and ensuring the successful implementation of the national haemovigilance system. The enthusiastic involvement of healthcare professionals and stakeholders underscored the shared understanding of the importance of haemovigilance and a proactive approach to its establishment in Eritrea.

The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the NBTS and NMFA, established a foundational understanding of haemovigilance principles, and outlined the operational framework for reporting and governing the national haemovigilance system in Eritrea. Dr. Yohannes Tekeste then officially closed the event. Dr. Yohannes emphasized that this initiative promises to enhance the quality and safety of blood transfusion practices, ensuring the advancements made in the NBTS’s capacity and coverage are paralleled by an equally robust system for safeguarding the precious gift of blood.

The Haemovigilance System Launching Ceremony was not just an inauguration but an intensive educational and collaborative endeavor. By equipping healthcare professionals and key stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and frameworks, Eritrea has laid a strong foundation for a national haemovigilance system that promises to significantly enhance the safety and quality of blood transfusions, ultimately safeguarding the health of its citizens.