National conference on environmental sanitation

Asmara, 12 December 2018 – A two-day national conference on community-led sanitations is being conducted at the Asmara Palace Hotel.

The conference is being attended by senior government and PFDJ officials, representatives from the country’s six administrative regions, village elders, stakeholders and other invited guests. At the meeting, briefings are being provided on increasing societal awareness of environmental sanitation and the use of latrines, strengthening the activities of social service institutions, integrating environmental sanitation activities, the role of the private sector in sanitation activities, and the importance of societal behavioral changes, among other relevant issues.

Indicating that environmental sanitation and clean water contribute to socio-economic development and a healthy society, Ms. Amina Nurhussein, Minister of Health, said that keeping the environment clean is an important national priority. She added that it also helps reduce the prevalence of communicable diseases and ensures the health of  the society, particularly mothers and children.

Pointing out the significance of the participation of stakeholders  and other relevant institutions, Minister Amina also said that as part of its efforts to achieve the Sustainable  Development Goals, the Ministry of Health will work to strengthen programs related to environmental health.

Dr. Pierre Ngom, UNICEF representative in Eritrea, expressed his expectation that Eritrea will realize its 2021 Strategic Partnership Cooperation Framework ahead of time through designing a strategic and viable implementation program.

The opening ceremony was highlighted by cultural and artistic programs depicting the importance of environmental sanitation and a general knowledge competition among 10 schools in the Central region.