Healthcare Scenario In Eritrea

In this article, Hospaccx Healthcare Consultancy presents key insights into the healthcare landscape of Eritrea. We delve into the government’s role in healthcare, the presence of private diagnostic centers, and emerging investment prospects. Whether you’re considering development, restructuring, or investment initiatives within Eritrea’s healthcare sector, our analysis offers valuable information on existing infrastructure and promising investment avenues.

 

Introduction

Eritrea, nestled within the dynamic landscape of the Horn of Africa, confronts a complex healthcare landscape characterized by a blend of challenges and resilience. Despite economic challenges and a significant portion of its population living in poverty, Eritrea is on track to achieve its healthcare Millennium Development Goals. This achievement is a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to prioritize health, even amid resource constraints. While persistent challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure, persist, there’s a palpable determination to augment healthcare accessibility and quality, embodying Eritrea’s ongoing journey towards improved health outcomes for its citizens. The capital and the largest city of Eritrea is Asmara.

 

Demography

Population	3,748,901 (2023 est)
Population Density	37 per Km2 (96 people per mi2) (2023 est)
Sex Ratio	0.972 (972 male per 1,000 female) (2023 est)
Ethnicity	Tigray (50%), Tigre (31.4%), Saho (5%), Afar (5%), Beja (2.5%), Bilen (2.1%), Kunama (2%), Nara (1.5%), Rashaida (0.5%).
Literacy	73.8 %

Fig 1. In Eritrea, the Highest Population is of Muslims 50%, then Eritrean Orthodox 40%, Roman Catholics 5%, Protestant 2%, Other Christians 1% and Traditional Beliefs 2%

Economy

Indicator	2022	2023	2024
Real GDP Growth (%)	2.3	2.6	3.1
Fiscal Deficit (% of GDP)	2.2	1.9	1.2
Current Account Surplus (% of GDP)	12.2	10.8	10.2
Agriculture Contribution to GDP (%)	20	–	–
Mining Contribution to GDP (%)	20	–	–

Recent Developments:

1. Growth: Real GDP growth slowed in 2022 to 2.3% due to various factors including the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 effects on value chains, climate shocks, and conflict in northern Ethiopia.
2. Fiscal Situation: The fiscal deficit narrowed to 2.2% of GDP in 2022, financed by drawdowns of government deposits. However, Eritrea remains in debt distress despite a decrease in the debt-to-GDP ratio.
3. Trade: The current account surplus narrowed slightly in 2022 due to increased imports, driven by higher international prices for energy and food.
4. Inflation: Inflation rose to 7.5% in 2022 primarily due to higher energy and food prices.

 

Outlook and Risks:

1. Growth: Real GDP is projected to gradually increase in 2023 and 2024, driven by higher international prices for metals, industry, services, and private consumption and investment.
2. Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit is expected to narrow further due to fiscal consolidation efforts.
3. Current Account: The current account surplus is projected to decrease slightly due to fluctuations in international commodity prices.
4. Risks: Headwinds include climate change, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and conflict in northern Ethiopia, which could affect supply chains and economic stability.

 

Some Important Health Statistics

• Total fertility rate – 3.7 live births per woman (2023 est)
• Infant Mortality rate – 27.9 deaths per 1,000 live births (2023 est)
• Maternal Mortality rate – 486 deaths per 100,000 live births (2022 est)
• Urban Population – 67% (2023 est)
• Rural Population – 33% (2023 est)
• GDP growth rate – 2.3% (2022 est)

Major diseases in Eritrea

Health Problem	Description
1.     Malaria	Significant public health issue in Eritrea with a high incidence rate of 92,898 cases reported in 2022.
2.    Tuberculosis (TB)	TB remains a concern in Eritrea with an incidence rate of 74 cases per 100,000 people in 2022.
3.    HIV/AIDS	Eritrea faces challenges in achieving treatment and suppression goals for HIV/AIDS, with approximately 8,775 people receiving antiretroviral treatment in 2021.
4.    Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)	Eritrea is endemic for several NTDs including lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, taeniasis, cysticercosis, leprosy, and rabies.
5.    Cardiovascular Disease	Major contributors to mortality rate of 896 per 100,000 in males and 655 in females in 2022
6.    Chronic Respiratory Disease	Contribute significantly to mortality rates in Eritrea, necessitating prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate their impact on public health.
7.    Cancer	Significant contributor to mortality rates in Eritrea, emphasizing the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies to address the burden of the disease.

Top 5 causes of mortality in Eritrea

1. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (49%)
2. Malaria (23%)
3. Tuberculosis (TB) (18.92%)
4. HIV/AIDS (5.5%)
5. Maternal Mortality (3.58%)

Healthcare Scenario in Eritrea

• Eritrea has made significant improvements in healthcare, particularly in achieving its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for child health.
• Life expectancy at birth has increased from 39.1 years in 1960 to 67.3 years in 2023.
• Maternal and child mortality rates have dropped dramatically, and the health infrastructure has expanded.
• Despite progress, challenges remain, including a low number of physicians per capita.
• Malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS continue to be common health issues, with HIV prevalence exceeding 2%.
• Maternal mortality rates, although reduced, remain high, and a significant percentage of births are not attended by skilled health personnel.
• Severe infection remains a major cause of death in newborns.

 

Healthcare Infrastructure (Rural v/s Urban)

Primary Level Facilities:

• Rural Areas: In rural areas, primary level facilities include Health Stations, which are the first contact for health services. These facilities are staffed by a registered nurse and one or two associate nurses. They focus on providing preventive care, immunization, antenatal care, control and care of communicable diseases, basic curative services, and health education.
• Urban Areas: Similar to rural areas, primary level facilities in urban areas also include Health Stations, which provide services to the local population. However, due to higher population density, urban Health Stations may experience higher patient volumes and may require additional staff and resources to meet the demand.

Secondary Level Facilities:

• Rural Areas: Secondary level facilities include first-contact or sub-zoba hospitals, which serve populations of at least 50,000. They provide general medical and obstetric care, basic laboratory support services, minor surgical procedures, and deliveries.
• Urban Areas: In urban areas, secondary level facilities also include first-contact or sub-zoba hospitals, which cater to larger populations and provide a wider range of services compared to rural secondary level facilities.

Tertiary Level Facilities:

• Rural and Urban Areas: Tertiary level facilities consist of national referral hospitals located in the capital city, Asmara. These specialized facilities serve the entire country and offer a range of specialized medical services, including medical and surgical care for adults and children, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmic care, radiology, dental services, and psychiatric care.

Major Medical Institutions in Eritrea

PUBLIC

1. The Orota Referral Hospital – 200 beds

Established through collaboration with the Peoples’ Republic of China in 2003, stands as a pivotal healthcare institution in Eritrea. It extends medical services to individuals across the nation facing critical conditions.

 

2. Keren Hospital, Eritrea – 80 beds

The new maternity building at Keren Hospital has been recently inaugurated. It includes modern facilities for delivery, neo-natal care, surgery, and post-surgery treatment. This upgrade aims to address existing challenges and improve overall hospital services.

 

3. Halibet Hospital – 180 beds

Delivers exceptional medical and surgical care, treating hundreds of patients daily and conducting thousands of surgeries, including for burn injuries and spinal cord cases.

 

4. Orota Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital – 200 beds

Orota Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital operates under the umbrella of Orota Referral Hospital, providing specialized clinical services in gynecology and obstetrics.

 

5. Edga Hamus Hospital – 30 beds

Equipped with essential resources, expands services to focus on maternal and child health. Offering prenatal, postnatal, fertility, lab, and dental care. With over 2,000 deliveries in 2017, the hospital, renovated at a cost of 17 million Nakfa, began operations on December 2, 2017, with 23 rooms for delivery services .

 

6. St Mary’s Psychiatric Hospital Sembel – 160 beds

St. Mary’s Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea, began psychiatric services during Italian colonization. It now houses inpatient and outpatient departments, with psychiatric care provided since 1987. Staffing includes a psychiatrist/director, nurses, and support personnel, reflecting ongoing developments in mental health care.

 

7. Asmara Inail Hospital – 70 beds

It has undergone extensive renovations supported by Italy. The hospital boasts modern facilities, including four fully equipped operating theaters. Maternity ward has been repurposed, into one of the operating theaters.

 

8. Mekane Hiwot hospital – 200 beds

Eritrea and China have signed an agreement to construct a fully equipped medical center in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital city. The center will be built within the compound of Mekane Hiwot Hospital, a major medical facility in the city.

PRIVATE

1. Sembhal Hospital, Asmara (N/A)

Sembel Hospital, located in the South Western Subregion of the Maekel Region, Eritrea, provides healthcare services. It is situated near the government offices, including the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen and the Ministry of Tourism.

Major Diagnostic Centers in Eritrea

1. Edaga Hamus Health Center, Asmara, Maekal Region
2. Central Policlinic, Asmara
3. Semanawi Health Center, Asmara
4. Acria Health Center, Asmara
5. Felege Hiwet Health Center, Maekal Region, Asmara
6. Tesfa Clinic, Asmara
7. Addis Alem Health Center, Asmara
8. Filmon’s Clinic, Asmara
9. Selam Radiology Policlinic, Asmara

 

Conclusion

Eritrea’s healthcare journey showcases commendable progress amid challenges. While strides in reducing maternal and child mortality are evident, issues like healthcare workforce shortages and prevalent diseases persist. Despite these challenges, Eritrea’s healthcare system remains resilient, with a network of facilities striving to serve its population. Moving forward, sustained efforts in addressing these challenges are crucial for advancing healthcare accessibility and quality, ensuring better health outcomes for all Eritreans.

 

For more details on planning and designing a new hospital in Eritrea, contact Hospaccx Healthcare Business Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Reach out to us via email at hospaccx.india@gmail.com or visit our website  www.hospaccxconsulting.com. We are dedicated to assisting your healthcare endeavors in Eritrea.

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