Vol 28. No.20 Saturday, 26 June, 2021 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

Barentu-Shambiko Highway Nationwide anti-polio vaccination program renovation underway The renovation of the Highway linking Shambiko with Barentu to the prevalence of the cross- is underway, report indicated. The highway has been difficult for border spread of polio virus; the transportation, the report added. disease has been on the verge of eradication as a result of The renovation activity that is being conducted by Bidho and Adi-Halo the regular annual vaccination National construction companies includes construction of 20 meters wide programs conducted. and 10km long road shortcut. It is to be noted that 13 types The roadwork will have significant socio-economic significance in the of vaccinations against various area and that the renovation activity has been completed from Barentu to diseases are being regularly Bushuka. provided to children across the country. In related news, the inhabitants of Kerkasha, Sisima, Sosna, Kona and Kuluku in collaboration with the administration of Barentu sub-zone have According to the Ministry of encouraged those participating at the renovation site. Health the vaccination program will constnue until June 27. The renovation of the Barentu-Shambiko Highway is expected to be completed in the near future. The Ministry of Health has on Mr. Tedros went on to say that 23 June launched nationwide 656 vaccination units as well as anti-polio vaccination program in 1968 health professionals have all sub-zones of the country. been mobilized to successfully conduct the program. Noting that the objective of the Financial support to augment program is to contain the spread Pointing out that children of the cross-border spread of born after February 2016 are polio virus that has been detected eligible to take the vaccination Martyrs Trust Fund in neighboring countries, and children aged from 6 months Nationals inside the country families of martyrs. thousand Swedish Kroner. Mr. Tedros Yihdego, Head of to 5 years will be provided with and abroad contributed financial Speaking to Erina, Mr. National Vaccination Program at Vitamin ‘A’, Mr. Tedros called on support to augment the Martyrs Mengis Gilamichael, chairman Nationals residing in the Ministry of Health, said that parents to take their children to Trust Fund in connection with 20 of the Association, noted that various cities of Australia also the vaccination is being provided vaccination centers. June, Martyrs Day. supporting families of martyrs is contributed 29,224 Australian through injection. Mr. Tedros also said that prior the responsibility of every citizen dollar to augment the Martyrs According to report, nationals and added that the Association Trust Fund and have assumed the residing in Aweil, South has collected 1.4 million Nakfa responsibility of supporting 43 Sudan, contributed 4,190 from 2015-2021 to that effect. families of martyrs. dollars, nationals residing in Harrisburg-Pennsylvania, USA, Meanwhile, about 186,000 Likewise, nationals residing in also contributed 2,239 dollars; Nakfa contributed by civil servants various cities of the Netherlands Announcement from the nationals in Luanda, Angola, and nationals in the Diaspora contributed 26,573 Euro to 3,862 dollars and nationals was disbursed to 284 families of augment the Martyrs Trust Ministry of Health residing in Abu-Dhabi, UAE, martyrs in 12 administrative areas Fund and 1 thousand 800 Euros contributed 10,540 DHS. of Logo-Anseba sub-zone. to support the families of the martyrs, the Embassy of Fifty-Six patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 In related news, nationals Similarly, nationals residing in in The Hague reported. in tests carried out yesterday at Quarantine Centers in the Central, residing in Paris, Brussels, and Scandinavian countries, Australia, Similarly, the Eritrean Anseba, and Southern Regions. different Italian cities, Canada and The Netherlands and USA have Community in Oakland, the US commemorated Martyrs contributed financial to augment California, USA, contributed 24, Out of these, thirty-nine patients are from Quarantine Centers in Day with patriotic zeal renewing Martyrs Trust Fund and support 750 dollars; nationals residing , . Nine patients are from Quarantine Center their pledge to live up to the families of Martyrs. in Jacksonville, Florida 1,030 in Keren, . Eight patients are from Quarantine expectations of the martyrs. dollars, Eritrean community in Centers in Tsorena (3), Mendefera (2), Mai-Mine (1), Adi-Keih Accordingly, nationals residing San Diego 4,539 dollars, and (1), and Senafe (1); Southern Region. Similarly, the Association of in Scandinavian countries nationals residing in Atlanta and Taxi Owners in the Central region have contributed a total of 208 its environs have contributed 25 On the other hand, 75 patients who have been receiving contributed 1.4 million Nakfa to Norwegian Kroner and 160 thousand dollars. medical treatment in hospitals in the Central (63) and Anseba (12) Regions have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities.

The total number of recovered patients to date has accordingly risen to 5,222 while the number of deaths stands at 21.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country to date has increased to 5,720.

Ministry of Health Asmara 25 June 2021 Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 June, 2021 Vol 28. No.20 2

NICE: Striving to Benefit the Public

Ruth Abraham NICE began its operations with in England and contacts with South most internationally recognized and small capital and limited income. As African Insurance Corporation, one respected corporations. It promotes The National Insurance Mr. Zeru put it, “to initiate insurance of the biggest in the world for mine its image and the image of Eritrea. Corporation of Eritrea (NICE), in the new country was very tiresome insurance and many others. Mr. Zeru said, “We do know we have which was established in 1992, and demanded making efforts our drawbacks, but we are constantly has come a long way to become an constantly. That is why we contacted In 2004 and 2013 NICE sold striving to bring them down.” organization of great reputation. It insurance companies in Germany shares to Eritrean citizens and the has three operation centers, Asmara and England to create linkages.” decisions have paid off in the form NICE covers many types of (Head Office), Massawa and Assab, of building a strong insurance insurance; in fact, there is none that and markets its services through a NICE then signed agreements corporation. At present it has a net it cannot cover because NICE’s network of agents across the entire with the international reinsurance worth of 105 million capital and dependence on reinsurers gives it an country and globe. corporations and continued operating 750 million shareholders’ capital. It absolute security. When there comes with a capital of five million Birr. The has over two-thousand shareholders, a devastating calamity, it is not NICE, the only insurance Insurance sector is big and complex and 56% of the shares are owned NICE that carries the burden but the corporation in Eritrea, gives life and there were not many experts in by Eritrea’s Ministry of Finance companies it is reinsured in. Whatever Mr. Zeru Woldemichael and non-life insurance services and type of insurance is sought, there are believes strongly in the virtues of four international brokers associated trend in insurance technique and it is reinsuring insurances. Reinsurance is with the corporation that link it to indeed effective. What percentage of a case where multiple insurance the desired insurance market. For the whole population is likely going companies share risk by purchasing example, motor insurance is mostly to need medical care in a year? It insurance policies from other insurers handled in Eritrea but if it exceeds is very small, indeed, considering to limit their own total loss in case five million, we bring it down to the the ratio of healthy members of the of disaster. The goal is to ensure that international insurance market with population to the unhealthy ones. no insurance company has too much the help of our brokers. exposure to a particularly large event In the past 29 years, NICE has or disaster. Life insurance is quite new in been built to be a strong insurance Eritrea. Not many people are aware of corporation, with its efficient In explaining the rationale behind its benefits and the collective progress management and well-educated the corporation’s decision to practise it begets but NICE is working on it. personnel. It has raised its capital reinsurance, Mr. Zeru Woldemichael, The law of large numbers works well from 5 million to 105 million Nakfa General Manager of NICE, said, “Our when there is a massive number of and managed to provide sufficient insurance company cannot possibly insurance clients of different ages insurance services to its clients. It has insure a 750 million USD worth and health conditions. The larger the an excellent corporate image both in aircraft. We have business deals with number of the insured is the further Eritrea and abroad. different international companies NICE Headquarters in Asmara the extremes are evened out. and we reinsure the damaged good the field in Eritrea back then. This while 44% belong to Eritrean NICE regularly analyzes the to the concerned companies.” meant that the corporation had to individuals and institutions within NICE has managed to insure capacity of its employees and works deal with the challenges of building Eritrea. The corporation invests in clients up to the age of 80-85. Most to develop them, which is mandatory its human resources almost from various international and domestic insurance corporations in the world for the outstanding job it performs. scratch. businesses. For example, it is a limit the age to 75 or below, but shareholder in African Reinsurance NICE can take up to that age because The corporation is working From1995 on, NICE has been Corporation, with headquarters in it insures the clients in big numbers. extensively on life insurance and organizing courses and professional Nigeria, known as Africa-Re or If, say, it insures members of the raising people’s awareness about it. exams with Charter Insurance ZEP-Re PTA Reinsurance Company, teachers association, it figures out It funds a sitcom that is aired on Eri- Institute (CII) for its employees. NESICO Insurance Company, with how many of them are above the age TV and dramas on varied themes, Published Every The march toward building the headquarters in Juba, South Sudan, of sixty or have threatening diseases including those that emphasize Published Every professional capacity that started in where NICE has been working or are likely to get into accidents per the functions and importance of SaturdayPublished & Wednesday Every Wednesday & Saturday 1995 still persists with even more with from the beginning. NICE year. The number of those who are insurance. Saturday & Wednesday insurance educational institutions has shares in COMESA Zebra not likely to claim benefits tends involved. Mr. Zeru was an executive Company, where members of its to exceed the number of those that “People say an insurance Acting Editor member of the CII which agreed to staff are elected as board members would seek reimbursement. This agreement with NICE is the same as Acting Editor make Eritrea an international exam from time to time. It also works in balance drags back the average age a decent marriage; no promises are Amanuel Mesfun center for the CII. Unlike many close partnership with the largest of the insured to about 45, which broken. The corporation is widely [email protected] Mesfun other businesses, the insurance Chinese insurance company known is very attractive in the reinsurance recognized as trustworthy and is [email protected] sector cannot run without employees as People’s Insurance Company of market. At this rate NICE is working loyal to the needs of the insured,” that have certified knowledge and China (PICC). to insure the Eritrean population Mr.Zeru said in his closing statement P.O.Box: 247 P.O.Box: 247 skills, and NICE’s partners sought as a whole. Worldwide, this is the during the interview. Tel: 11-41-14 such certificates. This acted as a NICE also invests on many Tel: 11-41-14 major driving force for NICE’s domestic ventures such as Shishay Fax: 12-77-49 commitment to build its employees’ Animal Feed Factory, Roof Garden E-mail: capacity. Today the corporation Restaurant, located on the fifth floor [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er boasts a mature organization and of the NICE building, Shemshemya Advertisement: 12-50-13 management. Commercial Farm in Tokombia sub- Advertisement: 12-50-13 zone, Gash-Barka region, which Insurance companies are classified engages in modern agriculture Layout by the type of insurance service and livestock. In addition, NICE Layout they provide as life and non-life manages the Eritrean Government AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane insurance, and many operate on Pension Scheme and Martyrs’ Fund, Sara Alem both. NICE works with big insurance for which it charges service and AidaSara JoharAlem companies of different kinds. For management fees. instance, it has reinsurance deals with airplane insurance company Worldwide, NICE is one of the Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 June, 2021 Vol 28. No.20 3

Torch of Development Ignited in Kerkebt sub-zone

Kesete Ghebrehiwet panels have been installed for the facility and a new school has been The Kerkebet sub-zone’s water distribution center. Also, constructed for students who used administration office works with Major development an underground water source to learn in makeshift tents. partners to make a difference in the undertakings such as the has been drilled and distribution living standards of the residents construction of water supply facilities are under construction Amalayt, the center of the of the sub-zone. Initiatives have systems, roads, healthcare in Hewan administrative area, entire Kerkebet sub-zone, has been taken to encourage residents facilities and schools have been which is 195 km away from relative advantage in terms to engage in agriculture. Mr. transforming the lives of most Amalayt. of the size and quality of its Abdelkerim explained that of the residents of Kerkebet sub- members of the Eritrean Defense zone. Kerkebet sub-zone is generally Forces, especially border patrol one of the most disadvantaged units, have been strong partners As one of the most remote parts of the country and the of the sub-zone’s administration areas of the country it had been Government has given priority to in implementing the set out neglected by successive colonial its massive Western Development development programs. rulers. River banks were the only Mr. Abdelkerim Idris Zone programs. The provision of water sources for the residents various facilities are now steadily The development activities in of Kerkebet sub-zone before the road has already linked Amalayt, improving the living standards of Kerkebet sub-zone have brought construction of dams and the Lokayb and Atay while the set the residents of the subzone. substantial change in social installation of water distribution out plan is to link Atay with services, particularly healthcare. systems following Eritrea’s Agumait, which is 147 Km form The construction of Kerkebet The maternal and child mortality independence. In the past, people Amalayt and then with Akayde dam has changed the ecosystem have now been reduced because in “Lokayb,” one of the 13 and Haranite. The construction of of the sub-zone and triggered the of the opening of healthcare administrative areas of Kerkebet this strategic road paved the way expansion of farm activities in facilities in remote areas of the sub-zone, had no access to potable for the establishment of a water the area. The Kerkebet sub-zone healthcare facility, schools and sub-zone such as Agumite. The water and, as a result, they were distribution center by installing administration office is working water distribution centers. The availability of healthcare service prone to water borne diseases. two big water tanks in Atay. A hard to encourage residents to get resident of “Filik”, which is part is also making a contribution school has also been built and is involved in farming. toward tackling cultural barriers. However, thanks to the ready to offer service. Scattered For instance, it was not common construction of roads, schools settlements are being brought Mr. Abdelkerim Idris, for a woman to visit a healthcare and healthcare facilities in seven together in one village or town to administrator of Kerkebet sub- center without being accompanied of the 13 administrative areas in allow more and more people to zone, believes that the nomads by her husband. But the concerted the sub-zone, the lives of most access services such as healthcare are very capable to bring about efforts of healthcare workers of the residents of Kerkebet sub- and education. radical change in their livelihoods and other actors is showing zone have been improving. The once they take a move toward the steady progress in the number healthcare station in Lokayb, for Harainte administrative area, irrigation-based farm activities. of women going to healthcare instance, gives efficient service to which is home to over 280 The opportunities are plenty centers unaccompanied by their the residents of Lokayb, Atay and families, is the remotest part and the residents of the area are husbands. Haranite. The healthcare station of Kerkebet sub-zone and very the number one beneficiaries of in Agumite has an ambulance close to Sudan’s border. The the farms the Government has Kerkebt sub-zone is a land of that serves people in the construction of a road, school provided. so many opportunities and the administrative areas of Hawan, and other basic facilities have of Amalayt administrative area, prospects are very encouraging Akayde and Harareb. Of course, been given priority in Haranite to “Dirfa”, also another live scattered in various areas in an area endowed with natural the healthcare station still needs enable the residents get connected administrative area of the and the school in the area has resources expected to benefit to be further equipped with more with the other administrative vast Kerkebet sub-zone, has a few students. It is difficult for not only the residents of the tools and medicine to be able to areas in the sub-zone. A school school and solar powered water the school to continue offering sub-zone but the entire nation. serve the communities better. constructed in Agumite has distribution facility. Aliet, which service with such a small student More than 80% of the residents started to offer service by is part of Dirfa administrative enrollment. If the challenge of the sub-zone are pastoralists A wide and very well paved dirt teaching mothers while solar area, has its own water supply persists, Mr. Abdelkerim said, the and although challenging it is next move would be relocating the possible for them to steadily shift residents in nearby villages such from nomadic to settled lifestyles. as Amalayt, Lokayb and Dirfa to The Government provides the make the provision of services residents with farm tools, select such as healthcare, education and seeds and irrigation systems. Mr. potable water supply sustainable. Abdelkerim said that river banks in Atay could be diverted for the Hamasiduba and Ketchech have development of irrigation-based viable educational, healthcare and farm for the benefit of those who potable water supply services, but live in nearby areas. the residents of Yekari’e had to move to Ketchech to have equal Kerkebet sub-zone, which has access to the services that are 13 administrative areas, borders provided there. Mr. Abdelkerim Selea sub-zone of Anseba region reiterated the importance of to the east, Forto Sawa sub-zone finding a lasting solution to of Gash-Barka region and the the scarcity of potable water in Sudan to the southwest. Yekari’e. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 June, 2021 Vol 28. No.20 4

Simon Weldemichael clothes. Traditionally, the categories fundamental to that people turn around to look at you woman’s dress perfectly protects culture”. Dress is not only a piece on the street, the message could Dress-I would buy fashion clothes the body.m Women dressedore humbly of cloth than used to cover the body.m also be thateets you are not properly the e ye every visit in a way that did not display their It is a cultural dressed. But I, being jealous, I would body structure hideously. not The use of excessive Culture is dynamic and cultural Without it, you are beautiful accessories, strong change is inevitable. However, it and bright perfume and make- is important to analyze change to Don’t shock me by denims too up is not common. be able to fit with the social and tight Traditional cultural realities of the society. Avoid the torn and patched Eritrean The days are gone when girls pants women dress used to wear like their mothers As the sea breaks against the modestly and boys used to dress like their rock in order to fathers. Adorning yourself with I crash, to see you adorned prevent modest dressing has lost its with frock undesirable popularity. Graceful beauty and things from modest appearance are replaced Every society has its own culture happening by arrogant and exaggerated and style of clothing. Making the and to appearances. Cloths began to best possible impression is one preserve reflect anti-social behaviors of the paramount functions of and that opposed or are contrary to our skin. clothing. A dress has an aesthetic maintain normal social practices. Young and symbolic value. It shapes the the mores people tend to enjoy an inflated The fashion of clothes changes projection of self, social values and moral of and grandiose self-concept. fast. We should not let fashion and material culture altogether. the society. But the dress of the majority of destroy our style. Our style Religious beliefs and ethnic Eritreans adorn the modern youth doesn’t give should endure in face of changing identities are embedded in and themselves with confidence and elegance. Rather fashions. It is good to be elegant communicated through clothing. a rich repertoire of it puts the youth in distress. and fashionable but people have jewelry, hairdressing Wearing clothes with holes, stains to keep their own style. Style is Women from the nine ethnic and clothing. and tears that contradict the social all about knowing who you are. groups of Eritrea usually wear Dress as expressed by mores and standards of our society We have to work hard to maintain modest and impressive dress that Arthur, “provides a window representation of has become the preferred casual and develop our own Eritrean covers the whole body without through which we might look into a society. Dress has the power dress by young men and women. style which is unique and yet obstructing the view. They dress a culture, because it visually attests to characterize and reflect the Instead of being dressed for identifiable for others. As far as appropriately and wear beautiful to the salient ideas, concepts and existing conditions of a society. success, many are being dressed fashion is concerned, fashion is to depress. Humility is forgotten not only about clothes. It’s about Your dress says a lot about by young men and women as the all kinds of change including you. Appearance sends a lot of best dress to wear. attitudes. Fashion should not signals with different meanings. destroy the moral values but it Professional appearance is, for The usefulness of some of the should rebuild the moral values example, a critical part of one’s fashionable clothes is dubious. of the society. Our dress must professional image. Like it or not, Modern fashion is no longer reflect and reinforce the Eritrean what we wear is a direct reflection driven by beauty and glamour. character, culture and style. That of who we are personally, socially, The youth are currently attracted is the only way we can make culturally and historically. We to wear clothes that have no should not underestimate the aesthetic value. Some women power of clothing. We are often wear a miniskirt to reveal their continued on page 5 times judged by appearances. thighs; some Today, dress revolution is going wear full dress on in both genders but, more to conceal their particularly, in women. The body. There is a course of design and fashion maxim that says changes more rapidly than “You cannot culture as a whole. Modesty went choose your completely out of the window for face but you many women. can choose your dress.” There are Almost every woman is going a lot of things in after fashion. Although it is not life where we can bad to go after fashion, we should have a choice. remember that fashion does not What we do, make us perfect. It only makes how we dress, us beautiful. Tight-fitting little what we believe, dress and clothes with holes are how we decorate becoming common to majority ourselves etc. of the young girls. When they Clothes are show off their body, what they are second to the skin really doing is advertising to the so they should be whole world: “Look at me!” If as important as Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 June, 2021 Vol 28. No.20 5

Eritrea: Insight into Tuberculosis (TB)

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

The office of the National Tuberculosis (TB) Controlling Program at Eritrea’s Ministry of Health has reported that Eritrea has made considerable progress in combating TB over the past several decades. This news is extremely positive and highly encouraging. It is worth noting, as well, that it comes not too long after recent reports were shared revealing that the country had achieved great success in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In achieved significant success in community is significantly risk factors or conditions that While this is very positive and the following few paragraphs, I combating TB. In fact, its TB- reduced. impair the immune system, such encouraging, there are still areas provide a brief introduction about related figures and progress are as HIV, malnutrition and under for improvement. Accordingly, TB, report some of Eritrea’s TB- not only among the best in the Efforts to improve TB nutrition. Efforts against HIV go public education and awareness related figures, and identify some surrounding region, they also diagnosis in Eritrea have also closely hand in hand with the campaigns can be increased and of the factors that have contributed compare quite favorably with been intensified. Ensuring that fight against TB since HIV and TB broadened. Additionally, there to its success against TB. continental and global averages. people are correctly diagnosed form a lethal combination, each are drug-resistant strains of TB, For example, according to data can allow them to get started speeding the other’s progress. which are a challenge because TB is caused by bacteria, called from the WHO, in 2000 Eritrea’s on the most effective treatment Notably, people living with they are difficult and costly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that estimated TB incidence (per regimen as early as possible. One HIV are approximately 18 times to treat. Last, the COVID-19 most often affect the lungs. It 100,000 people) was 177. Nearly unique and effective way that TB more likely to develop active TB pandemic threatens to reverse is spread from person to person two decades later, in 2019, the diagnosis and treatment coverage disease than people without HIV, the substantial progress made through the air. When people latest year for which data are has been expanded in the country and in 2019, about 208,000 people in reducing the burden of TB with lung TB cough, talk, sneeze, available, the incidence was has been through the deployment died of HIV-associated TB. disease. Therefore, the country or spit, they can expel TB germs 86, representing a 51% percent of village health workers to rural, must continue with care and into the air. Subsequently, another reduction. For context, in 2019, remote areas. At present, about Over the past several decades, treatment programs to identify, person needs to inhale only a the estimated TB incidence (per 13% of TB patients in Eritrea are Eritrea has made significant diagnose, and successfully treat few of these germs to become 100,000) for other countries in treated by village health workers. progress in the fight against TB. TB. infected. Those individuals with the region, as well as regionally In terms of treatment, Eritrea has compromised immune systems, and globally, was the following: a high TB treatment success rate. such as people living with HIV, Djibouti - 234; - 140; In 2018, the latest year for which malnutrition or diabetes, or Somalia - 258; South Sudan - data is available, the country’s people who use tobacco, have a 227; Sudan - 67; Sub-Saharan treatment success rate was 92%, higher risk of falling ill. Africa - 231; and World - 129. which is higher than the regional Furthermore, in terms of reduction (82%) and global (85%) average As with COVID-19, TB is a rates, globally, the TB incidence treatment success rates. truly global problem, and it is has been falling at about 2% per found in all countries around year and between 2015 and 2019 Notably, Eritrea also has a high Dress-m ore the world. Moreover, it is non- the cumulative reduction was 9%. Bacillius Calmette-Guerin (BCG) discriminatory. In particular, By comparison, in Eritrea, the immunization coverage rate. The although it mostly affects rate of reduction between 2015 BCG vaccine, the only available continued from page 4 Cautious efforts are needed adults in their most productive and 2019 was about 16%. TB vaccine, was developed to preserve and improve the years, children can also become almost 100 years ago. Although it thanaesthetic . . .and symbolic value infected. According to the World Eritrea’s success in combating offers limited protection against beauty. There is no sufficient of Eritrean costume. Dress is a Health Organization (WHO), in TB is rooted in several different TB in adults, it protects young reason to dress like everyone else. second skin presented by culture 2019, an estimated 10 million factors. For instance, the country children against severe forms of We have to dress like an Eritrean to identify our identity and culture people fell ill with TB (with 1.2 has sought to ensure that all people, TB. (However, it is sometimes and think like an Eritrean. We within the larger international million children falling ill), while including those with or at risk of offered to adults who are at risk have to stand on our cultural community. The dress we wear it also led to death of 1.4 million TB, have access to affordable of TB, such as some healthcare ground and be proud. should promote aspects of people. Notably, worldwide, TB and quality care. Of note, the workers.) According to data from Eritrea’s cultural heritage that are is one of the top 10 causes of construction and expansion of the WHO, BCG immunization Clothing brings the individual cherished by its people. death and the leading cause from various infrastructure (hospitals, coverage among 1-year-olds in to the community and it is a single infectious agent (above clinics, roads, etc.), has increased Eritrea was about 89% in 2000. through dress that we signal What you wear is a reflection HIV/AIDS). While TB is a global accessibility and adherence to TB Last year, the most recent one our understanding of the most of you and sets the tone for how issue, some regions are harder care and services. for which data was available, it common social codes that help you will be perceived by others. hit than others. In 2019, 30 high was about 97%. For context, in define a society. Our dress should Research tells us that much of TB burden countries accounted Furthermore, there has been 2019, BCG immunization among reveal, instead of concealing, another person’s perception of for about 87% of new TB cases, great focus on prevention, 1-year-olds in the region was the rich cultural and historical you is based on how you look. We while eight countries accounted diagnosis, and treatment. the following: Djibouti - 95%; legacy of the Eritrean society. need to understand the element of for two thirds of the total (led by Prevention helps to stop people Ethiopia - 69%; Somalia - 37%; Fashion designers must focus truth found in the maxim “First India and followed by Indonesia, with TB infection from becoming South Sudan - 52%; and Sudan - on beautifying the Eritrean body impression is always a lasting China, the Philippines, Pakistan, sick, averts suffering, and saves 92%. than disfiguring it. Tailors and impression.” Our dress influences Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South lives. Through TB preventive fashion designers have to find our posture and our posture in turn Africa). treatment, not only are Eritreans Another important factor in ways through which the Eritrean can have a great deal of influence protected from becoming sick, the success against TB has been social, historical and cultural on our personal presentation and Over the years, Eritrea has the risk of transmission in the Eritrea’s efforts to combat other system is realized through dress. image. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 June, 2021 Vol 28. No.20 6 Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 June, 2021 Vol 28. No.20 7

Vacancy Announcement

Azel Pharmaceutical Sh. Co. is inviting interested applicants for the following positions. AZEL PHARMACEUTICAL Sh.Co.

1. Job Title & Sales and Receivables Accountant (01) Number required - Prepare all invoices related to sales and checks. - Prepare sales taxes summary for payment. - Ascertains that all invoices raised for collection are supported for dully prepared documents. - Reconciles monthly goods in transit (GIT) accounts with procurement sections and are follow-ups for timely receives the good from our suppliers as agreed. - Prepares sales journal entries o fall sales and receivables accounts …… Major duties - Reconciles sales in quantity and values with cost section and general accounts. - Reconciles customer statements and correct discrepancies as necessary. - Provides monthly sales report and breakdown outstanding receivables balance including Goods in Transit (GIT) accounts. - Performs other financial duties not stated above as required.

2. Job Title & - Budget Accountant (01) Number required • Provide assists for budget preparation, formulation, presentation, and execution. • Consolidate individual departmental budgets into operating and capital budget summaries. • Review proposed budget submissions from department managers for accuracy and completeness • Compare actual to budgeted results at the end of each reporting period, and report on significant variances • Forecast future budget needs • Monitoring spending to ensure it remains within budget. Major duties • Estimating and forecasting future financial need • Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls. • Performs other budget related issues not stated above.

Knowledge & ..Proficient in MS Office; knowledge of Accounting Software. Skills Required for ..Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. both Posts ..Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including, presentation skills.

Education for BA in Accounting both Posts 25-45 Age for both Posts At least two years of work experience as Cost Accountant, or related Financial reporting positions ina Experience for manufacturing company. both Posts Azel Pharmaceutical Sh. Co. Asmara for No. 1 and Keren for No. 2, Eritrea Place of Work − Applicants should submit their full applications including CV, educational credentials and training certificates within 10 days from the date of publication in the newspaper through the following addresses. − Salary is as per company Scale Azel Pharmaceutical Sh. Co. Asmara: P.O. Box 6799 Tel: 120028/120029 Azel Pharmaceutical Sh. Co. Keren: P.O. Box 89 Tel: 400234/401994 Note: All applicants must have proof of demobilization or exemption from the National Service. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 June, 2021 Vol 28. No.20 8

“It’s one thing to have read something and another to have lived an experience” mikal tesfay but, of course, there is no secret that to make sure that the public would Ms. Susan Ngongi is a UN resident coordinator it is not easy. The way we work and be protected. By April 2nd, when who has completed her four-year term in Eritrea. the government’s own expectations everyone was already in lockdown, Following is an excerpt of her interview on Eri-TV. on how the work should be done may there was a very decisive step in differ but as far as I understand and as the early days that were required to What is the extent of your attachment with the people. And yes, far as the work of the country team make sure that we stop the spread. knowledge and your view of Eritrea that has been very special. is concerned here, it has progressed When the airspace was closed, we before and after you got here? and the relationship is growing while were all told to stay in our houses What major successes has the things are falling in line. In the past and minimized the opportunity for Well, before I got here, I had a UN achieved with the cooperation four years, at a political level, we the virus to spread. So I think the limited knowledge about the country. of the government of Eritrea during managed to have quite a few high government reacted very responsibly Of course, I have read few things and the past four years? level visits and discussions in the and gave a quick response. Recently, I had minimal knowledge. However, country between the UN officials the situation is not the same as what helped me was that I was here Well, we had partnership and and the government. The fact that before. We understand the disease in 2015 for a one-week mission with cooperation framework. I think the those dialogues happened are signs and we can’t always run away from UNICEF. I was with the UNICEF key areas in which we have worked of progress. The government is clear it. There is a huge difference between made good contribution in Eritrea’s regional office at the time I came to with the government over the past that the UN should support them in the knowledge we now have and the development plan. I’m extremely the country. So I saw the place but four years were in the areas of health, the areas where they think a support knowledge we had in March of 2020. happy with that. still didn’t know that much although agriculture and natural resource is required and the UN system should We now understand better how it it definitely helped me when I came management. There has been some be flexible in the support provided. functions. Also things have opened What would you say is the one back as resident coordinator in work done with the Ministry of The UN system is a bureaucracy so up again. The biggest challenge at the thing that you wish you had more 2017. Social Welfare in terms of supporting flexibility is not their middle name beginning of the crisis was the health time in Eritrea to accomplish that children with the education and even though we have tried to be aspects. How to make sure people you didn’t have time for? So was it the same or different health and so on. That has gone flexible. So there have been some stay alive. Again, how we live with from what you anticipated? well. However, we are in the process adjustments that needed to be made the virus has become our goal. The For me, the pandemic of the last of developing a new partnership indoors. virus is not disappearing tomorrow year to disappear. That one year I What was missing at the beginning and cooperation framework. I will and we need to adapt to some of was supposed to travel more in the was there was no attachment. You not complete the process so my Okay, Susan, would you regard the public health measures that we country, see more places and interact have read some documents, what successor will be completing that yourself as having exchanged need to adapt like wearing masks with more people and somehow that you have at the end is you have read process and it seems to be going your experience with Eritrean and sanitizing our hands. However, disappeared. I think that is the only a lot more, you have lived a lot more well. Generally, the government’s nationals and perhaps you yourself from my understanding of the last regret. and you have a lot more attachments. view on the UN is the most useful in even learned a thing or two about time we had a flu pandemic, it took So, of course, it is very different at supporting the work and basic social Eritrea? about three to five years before life Any words of advice as you are the end compared to the beginning. services like health, education, water went back to normal. So, I think we considered an expert of life here in and sanitation. Those are the areas That’s one of the richness of the should expect to take some time. The Eritrea? Now, tell us about your four year that the government has indicated to four years. I think I had relationship question will be how we are going to term in Eritrea? us. They think the UN can be useful. with the members of the society. be able to live with the virus. There was work, of course, and I “Words of advice,” that is big. I think two things can be mentioned. It was a fantastic four years. It was Was working with the government have dealt with the officials that I Is there any additional advice Those are to come and interact time really well spent. I came and I in those areas that you just might have got interlocked with in that you would like to give to the with a broad section of people. The worked. I think we did something mentioned a successful venture? the work that I do. However, I had Ministry of Health in handling the key ways to view Eritrea is by the good as the United Nations. I had friends among the society, so I have pandemic? expression of the canary. Canary is productive relationship with the It is a successful venture. In terms heard many stories and shared the this little bird with high metabolism government and the team. Of course, of the relationship with the UN team people’s experiences. I understand a I think the Health Ministry knows and fast rate in a small body and it there were challenges, which are on ground, I think there has been little bit more with greater depth and exactly what to do. The only thing reacts very quickly. In their reaction “hargoxgox” in Tigrigna, my new good relation over the years with complexity of the challenges. I think I think should be considered in the you can tell canaries can protect favorite word. But regardless, in my predecessor Christina Motony. you asked if there have been changes future is the vaccination, which themselves quickly. Living here and terms of these four years, it was In terms of the program and projects in my view. It made my view richer, can minimize the dissemination of discussing with the people made me time really well spent because I that we are undertaking with the I would say. It’s one thing to have the disease. It is the only tool that connect Eritrea with this little bird. learned a lot of things and developed government there has been progress read something and quite another to has not been applied yet in Eritrea have lived an experience. During the but I know that the authorities are four years I have lived an experience considering all the options that need Any final message to the people of Eritrea, dealing with the people to be considered to make sure that of Eritrea. that crossed paths with me or that I the population is safe. crossed paths with. It created a much I think my number one message deeper and richer understanding. So Now, let’s focus on the is the people should tell their stories yes, it definitely changed my view. collaboration between the because the perception and how Government of Eritrea and the UN people view Eritrea is quite different. We are now suffering from a under your leadership. Tell us if I found a lot more stories here that I global pandemic. How do you there is a concrete achievement that can’t find outside. Eritrea is a jewel think is the government of Eritrea has been recorded so far and any in of a place; you still have a much handling the situation in the particular that you would say is the disciplined society and very cultured perspective of the UN? highlight of the collaboration? and dignified people. The people have a massive asset that they are The government was very quick to It is hard to choose. For me the proud of their nationality. react. From the beginning of the year collaborations we have had in the the Ministry of Health was already areas of health, education, and Susan, thank you for your time working in terms of preparedness natural resource management have and we wish you all the best.