Asmara, 01 December 2023 – World AIDS Day 2023 was observed on December 1 at a national level in Asmara under the theme “Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility.”
Speaking at the event held in Orrota Hospital Hall, Dr. Araia Berhane, Head of Communicable Diseases Control, stated that an encouraging outcome is being registered from the fight against HIV/AIDS infection, that the disease has been erased from the list of deadliest diseases, and that the rate of transferability of the disease from HIV/AIDS patients who take their medicine regularly has decreased to almost zero percent.
Dr. Araia further indicated that Eritrea is among those African countries that have been able to decrease the rate of new infections in the last 12 years by 70% and that the number of children born with HIV, which was 40 annually, has declined to zero. The death rate from HIV has decreased by 78%, the number of voluntary annual checkups has significantly increased, and 9 thousand nationals with HIV/AIDS are regularly taking antiretroviral drugs.
Dr. Araia said that challenges still exist in the effort to end HIV/AIDS infections and called for an integrated effort on the part of all stakeholders for a better outcome.
The event featured artistic and cultural performances, testimonies, and general knowledge competitions depicting the day, and prizes were awarded to general knowledge competition winners.