Location: Eritrea

Situation:

Weakened by the recurring tension with neighbouring Ethiopia, Eritrea is one of the poorest countries in the world. In recent years, this country, with a mainly rural economy, has suffered from an ongoing drought, leading to population movements and chronic malnutrition. Since 2006, Doctors of the World (DOW) has been working on a project to improve mother and child health, since women and children are particularly vulnerable in this context.

Activities:
At the end of July 2009, after having had to suspend our activities following administrative complications, DOW had to leave the country at the authorities' request. DOW had been working there since 2006 to provide technical support to Afabet hospital (maternity ward and surgical unit). Since 2008, the project had been expanded to three district health centres. DOW's support has helped to improve medical care for mothers and children in several ways. The capacity of hospital medical staff and health agents has been strengthened by training sessions within the hospital (mentoring the surgical team) and the health centres. Joint supervision of the health agents has also enabled monitoring of epidemiological data in the health centres. Finally, the conditions in the hospital have been improved by renovation works. Village women in the district have received awareness- raising training in health education.