The World Health Day was observed in Eritrea 17 April 2019 in the capital, Asmara and other regions of the country under the theme “Universal Health Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere”. Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN Agencies held a seminar at Orotta Hospital Conference Hall to discuss the importance of Universal Health Coverage and the steps towards progress that Eritrea has been taking. During the ceremony, Dr Andebrhan Tesfatsion, acting Director General of Public Health at the Ministry of Health said that UHC is one of the priorities of priority of WHO including Eritrea. Dr. Andebrhan noted that the Government of the State of Eritrea renews its commitment for UHC to be a success.

Mr Ibrahim Sambuli, UNFPA Representative to Eritrea read the statement on behalf of WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom and indicated that in the Sustainable Development Goals, all countries have committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. He added to meet that target we need to see one billion people benefiting from UHC in the next five years. He emphasized that this is not unattainable dream, nor will it require billions of dollars to implement. Universal Health Coverage is achievable, right here, right now, for all of us.  He said that UHC reminds us of the Rights-Based Approach to programming: everyone deserves timely, appropriate and quality health care, whoever they are, wherever they are and whenever time it is.

Dr Geoffrey Acaye, Chief of Child Survival and Development at UNICEF explained that universal health coverage is not an easy road and we need to understand it that it is not the sole responsibility of the ministry of health but the responsibility of key partners and stakeholders. He assured their partnership for UHC and to renew their commitment to support the priorities of the ministry of health. He said, “UNICEF together with WHO and other partners will continue also to support Eritrea build stronger, more resilient and responsive health systems through Universal Health Coverage.

In her speech, Dr. Josephine Namboze, WHO representative to Eritrea referenced by pointing out the fact that health systems strengthening for UHC is one of the key instruments for the change offered by the 2030 Agenda.  Dr. Namboze maintained that this entails integration of good stewardship, adequate financing, qualified and motivated health workforce, access to quality medicines and health products, functional health information systems and people-centered service delivery systems.

Dr. Namboze explained that UHC is not a one-size fits-all approach and each country’s path is unique and different that is why WHO have developed a framework of actions to assist countries to select options which best suits their context. She said, “I look forward to working with the government and partners in the region to move towards UHC; together, we can achieve the health and well-being we want for our people.”