Eritrean Delegation Participates at AU Extraordinary Summit on Health

Asmara, 24 July 2026 – An Eritrean delegation led by Mr. Biniam Berhe, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Ethiopia and Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, participated in the 20th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Assembly on Health, convened in Accra, Ghana, on 22 July.

The Extraordinary Summit was conducted under the theme “Advancing Justice, Equity, and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS and TB, Improving Maternal Health, and Addressing Endemic, Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa.”

At the session, the Eritrean delegation shared Eritrea’s experience in ensuring equitable healthcare services, as well as the progress registered in maternal and child health.

The delegation noted that Eritrea regards healthcare as a basic human right and provides health services free of charge or at a minimal cost.

The delegation also explained that 80% of the Eritrean population currently has access to healthcare services within 10 kilometres of their residences and that community health representatives play a significant role in this regard.

Noting that childhood vaccination coverage in Eritrea has reached 98%, the delegation said that maternal and child mortality rates have significantly declined as a result.