OCHA Situation Report
Eritrea
31 August 2004


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

HIGHLIGHTS

UNAIDS Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Mr. Mark Stirling visited 
Eritrea from 24-28 August 2004. During his mission, Mr. Stirling met and 
discussed on the status of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Eritrea with the UN 
Country Team and UN staff in Eritrea, government officials, donors and 
NGOs. Mr. Stirling underlined at the HIV/AIDS Learning Team and the 
Technical Working Group meetings held on 25 and 26 August 2004 
respectively, that Eritrea, although still categorized as a "low HIV 
prevalence country", is already implementing programs and interventions on 
a scale that we seldom find in countries with much higher HIV prevalence 
rates.  However, the relentless efforts that are currently undergoing 
should be maintained at an increased momentum, particularly if we consider 
Eritrea's potential vulnerability in the advent of an opening of the 
border and subsequent demobilization

The Ministry of Health and its partners disclosed the results of the 2003 
round of ANC sentinel surveillance on 27 August at the National 
Confederation of Eritrean Workers Conference Room in Asmara. Dr. 
Andeberhan Tesfazion, Director of the National HIV/AIDS/STI and TB Control 
Division at the Ministry of Health said that the HIV sentinel surveillance 
among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) forms the basis for 
mapping and tracking the HIV epidemic worldwide. International evidence 
shows that the HIV prevalence among ANC attendees closely reflects the 
adult HIV prevalence in any given country and provides an important data 
on the status of epidemic over time. He informed participants that based 
on this round of ANC surveillance, the HIV prevalence rate in Eritrea for 
2003 is at 2.4% in the general adult population (15 to 49 age group) but 
there are serious geographical disparities (i.e. 7.2% in Assab, 4.5% in 
Asmara, 2.9% in Massawa vs. 1.8% in Keren, 1.4% in Mendefera or 0.9% in 
Gash-Barka rural). It was further disclosed during the meeting that 
despite these efforts to estimate the HIV prevalence in Eritrea, it is not 
yet possible to draw major conclusions regarding trends, since such ANC 
sentinel surveillance was re-established only in 2003. Following the 
presentation made by Dr. Andeberhan Tesfazion, participants discussed on 
the methodology and content of the survey and based on these results, 
group discussions took place on future priorities for interventions. The 
minister of health, UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern and Southern 
Africa, UNAIDS Eritrea Country Coordinator, representatives from local 
civil societies, representatives of NGOs, UN and donors were present at 
the meeting.

The donor response to the 2004 CAP stands at 44.2% as of 31 August. The 
2005 CAP for Eritrea is underway in light of and to mitigate the worsening 
humanitarian condition in the country.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) repatriated 219 
Ethiopian civilians to Ethiopia from Eritrea on 27 August 2004.

Government, UN and Donor Officials Visit Gash Barka

>From 17-18 August 2004, a high delegation jointly headed by the Minister 
of National Development, Dr. Woldai Futur and the UN Resident/Humanitarian 
Coordinator, Mr. Simon R. Nhongo undertook a field trip to Gash Barka 
zone. The delegation included, amongst others, Her Excellency the 
Ambassador of Netherlands, Madam Linssen Nelleke; Director of Italian 
Cooperation, Dottoressa Emma Gori; First Secretary/Development Assistance 
of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Mr. Arild Skara; Deputy Commissioner of 
the Eritrean Refugee and Relief Commission (ERREC), Mr. Teclemichael W. 
Giorgis and Senior Advisor on Recovery of the UNDP, Prof. Techeste 
Ahderom.

On Tuesday, 17 August, the delegation along with the Governor of Gash 
Barka Mr. Mustafa Nurhussein and other local Government officials, NGOs 
and UN agencies' representatives visited Gerenfit Expellee resettlement 
village. At Gherenfit, the delegation was welcomed by the Governor; 
followed by the Ambassador of Netherlands officially handing over the 
newly constructed community center, and emphasizing the continual support 
of her government to the people of Eritrea. In response, the Governor 
assured the delegation that the community center would be fully utilized. 
The delegation then toured the camp, interacted with the expellees, and 
assessed the UNDP Power Projects such as the water system, health station 
and shelter.

On Wednesday, 18 August, the delegation visited the Adi keshi IDPs camp. 
Various facilities including water and sanitation, health and shelter were 
also assessed. Later, the delegation departed for Barentu where UNDP/PMU 
officially turned over eight vehicles including four ambulances to the 
Governor of Gash Barka to be used in recovery related projects in the 
Region. In receiving the vehicles, the Governor conveyed his thanks and 
appreciations for the donation and assured the delegation that the 
vehicles will be fully used for the intended purposes.

Prior to the conclusion of the visit, the Director of Health in Gash 
Barka, Dr. Araya Berhane; the Governor and other local government 
officials presented an overview of Gash Barka. Humanitarian issues ranging 
from human welfare, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, agriculture 
to the conditions of IDPs were discussed through a power point 
presentation. Major priority areas mentioned were soil conservation and 
the construction of micro dams, the provision of water, building of 
schools, upgrading health institutions to handle surgical and obstetric 
emergencies, communication and transport.  In appreciation for the various 
supports given by UNDP over the years, the delegation was also entertained 
with songs of praises.

UNHCR: Carpentry Drives Vision For A New Trade

A carpentry workshop has been set-up at Emkulu refugee camp.  With two 
refugee teachers at the helm determined to succeed and impart their 
twenty-five years' experience, the project has begun with five 
apprentices. They will be given extensive training over the next six 
months where they will continue their new trade and the next apprentices 
will begin their traineeship. UNHCR Community Services identified the 
potential skills base and held discussions with ORA and the refugees on 
the best ways to utilize their skills, share their knowledge and train 
young Somali families.  UNHCR is providing the camp with a workspace, 
machinery and materials and the aim is for the workshop to become 
self-sustainable.  The teachers, Mohamed Ababu Ali and Mohamed Somman both 
say that starting each day in their new workshop is a joy.  They have big 
aspirations for a furniture exhibition and eventually to open a store. 
They have already begun working on sample pieces to show the students the 
quality that can be achieved and a vision for an independent future. All 
items made will be sold and the money kept by the maker and into buying 
more materials.

UNICEF: Nutrition Remains A Priority In Eritrea

UNICEF is supporting Ministry of Health micronutrient advocacy workshop in 
Debub and Southern Red Sea regions. The major focus of the workshop is on 
strategies to prevent and control Iodine Deficiency Disorders, vitamin A 
deficiency and anaemia. In addition, the role of administrators, civil 
society, the MOH and its partners was discussed.

Micronutrient deficiency remains a key contributor to weakened immune 
systems, and increases vulnerability to disease.  Women and children are 
particularly at risk. The Ministry of Health, with UNICEF support, has 
introduced some key strategies in recent years - notably vitamin A 
supplementation campaigns, and salt iodisation to combat iodine 
deficiency. Eritrea is now not only a producer of iodized salt - with 
major production based in Massawa and Assab - but also exports to 
countries such as Kenya and Tanzania.  An area of major concern 
highlighted for further action at the workshops is the recent reduction in 
consumption of iodised salt in Eritrea, and lack of legislation covering 
its distribution.

UNICEF Teacher Training Programme On Going

The UNICEF Education Section has conducted an assessment of the two-month 
Summer Teacher Training Programme currently taking place in Decamhare. 
Five hundred female teachers, who have each been working for a minimum of 
four years, are attending Part One of the two-phase training. It is 
planned that the trainees will graduate in summer 2005, upon completion of 
the second phase.  The visiting assessment team noted areas where the 
programme could be strengthened, namely in the strengthening of two 
critical issues at classroom level - HIV/AIDS Life Skills and gender fair 
teaching.

WFP: Reports On Market Outlook in Northern Red Sea

A market survey undertaken in Massawa, Northern Red Sea Region, during the 
second week of August indicated that local wheat; sorghum, barley, 
imported milk and sugar remain unavailable in the market.  Prices of local 
milk, meat, fish, eggs, tea, vegetable oil, butter and potatoes were 
unchanged. Rice, which was not available last week, could be found, but 
was almost three times more expensive than it was in June. In the Southern 
Red Sea region, sugar, meat and wheat flour were sold at moderate prices.

Confirmed pledges for the drought Emergency Operation (EMOP 10261.0) 
amount to US$ 48,041,987 or 128,516 MT (96% of the total food aid WFP 
appealed for). A total of US$ 30,614,026 representing 61% of the total 
requirement has been resourced for the Protracted Relief and Recovery 
Operation (PRRO 10192.0). The new EMOP 10261.1, which commenced in July 
2004, has already resourced 54,511 MT (representing 51% of the total 
project needs). This amount includes 7,514 MT of commodities, which will 
be carried over from EMOP 10261.0.

CARE International Community Saving and Credit Association and Food 
Security Interventions

CARE International jointly with local NGOs, Haben and Vision Eritrea is 
implementing a Community-Managed Savings and Credit Association (CMSCA) 
project in 7 sub-regions and 20 villages in Gash Barka, North Red Sea Zone 
and Maekel zones.  The total number of associations established to date is 
43.  This comprises 1,118 member households - 95% women headed. Savings 
generated by these associations total Nakfa 1,229,095.00 (equivalent 
US$91,000). Loans disbursed amongst association members total Nakfa 
1,956,674.00 (equivalent $144,938).  From these loans 96% or Nakfa 
1,878,407 (equivalent US $139,141) is used for income generating 
activities. The sectoral distribution of loans invested in income 
generating activities are in: Trade 72.4%, service 1.1%, food processing 
2.9%, manufacture/handicrafts 3.4% and agriculture (livestock and 
vegetable) 20.1%.  To date there has been a 100% loan repayment rate on 
all CMSCA loans to member households.

In addition to its Community Saving and Credit Association, CARE 
International has provided 379.648 MT of different types of seed through 
seed fairs to 9458 needy farmers as part of the Food Sectoral Working 
Group's (SWG) effort to bridge the national seed deficit of 7000 MT. 
Likewise, CARE assisted 3,100 farmers in tractor ploughing to plant one 
hectare each.  The project areas for the seed assistance were Mai Mine, 
Adi Quala (Aila Gundet), Mai Aini and Tsorona while tractor ploughing 
support was given in the last two sub-zones.  Assistance on chickpea and 
tractor ploughing is still on going.

To improve food security of women headed households in drought hit areas, 
CARE distributed 29,462 Fayomi chicks to 1291 families.  The distribution 
of chickens was conducted in Mai Mine and Adi Quala (Aila Gundet) in Debub 
and Berik, Gala Nefhi as well as in Serejeka sub-zones in Maekel zone. 
This intervention comprises feed for the chicks for six months, chicken 
coop, training on poultry management and vaccination.  CARE's food 
security projects are implemented in partnership with the Ministry of 
Agriculture and with local NGO Haben (on the seed program).

UNDP Mine Action Capacity Building Programme (MACBP)

The Eritrean Demining Authority (EDA), Eritrean Demining Operations 
continue to work on the 2005-2009 National Mine Action Strategic Plan, 
which is largely based on information provided by the European 
Union/Canada-funded Landmine Impact Survey.

Eritrean Demining Operations (EDO) manual clearance teams continue to work 
in the villages of Emba Derho and Karibosa in Senafe and Grat Mariam in 
Shilalo to enable IDPs to return to these communities. The two new 
20-deminer clearance teams have been conducting field training, and will 
soon begin to train for accreditation under International Mine Action 
Standards. It is planned that they will be deployed for full operations in 
September.

The EDA, EDO and MACBP hosted two consultants from Pricewaterhouse Coopers 
for July and August, who completed a socio-economic study on the impact of 
landmines and the benefits of mine action in terms of recovery, 
development and food security.  Some key findings were:

- The people of the country, in particular children and the young, have 
been deeply affected by the impact of landmines psychologically, socially 
and economically, and landmine contamination is an impediment to future 
development of the impacted communities.

- There are communities that will never be food self-sufficient unless 
landmine clearance takes place, as significant portions of agricultural 
land and grazing land is contaminated by landmines.

- The most acute need of landmine accident survivors is for assistance to 
resume their roles as productive community members.


UNMEE MACC Activities

The majority of the Peacekeeping Force (PKF) demining assets, which 
currently include the Bangladeshi and Kenyan demining contingents, 
continued to conduct clearance operations in the Temporary Security Zone 
(TSZ) of Sector West, in particular in the minefields of the Shilalo 
region. The PKF assets cleared 9,170 square meters of land and 7 km of 
roads. They also destroyed 25 mines and 25 UXO. In addition, the MACC 
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team disposed of 17 UXO.

The MACC route clearance contractor, MECHEM, is currently carrying out 
technical survey and quality assurance operations in the Tserona region in 
Sector Center. In total, they manually cleared 275 square meters of land 
and covered an area of 18,319 square meters with mine detection dogs. Once 
the rainy season in Sector West has subsided, MECHEM will re-deploy to 
Sector West to continue road clearance operations in the area.

The MACC Mine Risk Education (MRE) Field Teams continued to carry out MRE 
in a number of villages in the sub-zoba of Tserona (Debub zoba) in Sector 
Center. In total, they provided MRE to1000 people and distributed several 
MRE posters and games. During their deployment, the inhabitants of the 
Keih Kewhi village informed the Teams that mine incidents were occurring 
in an area of their village, which supposedly had already been cleared by 
a clearance operator. The MRE Teams have informed the MACC Operations 
Section of this matter. The Operations Section is currently looking into 
the situation.

On Wednesday, 25 August 2004, the MACC Programme Manager and Chief of 
Operations accompanied the visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for 
African Affairs (Ms. Connie Newman) and the US Ambassador to Eritrea on 
their field trip to Shilalo, where the visitors viewed the demining 
operations of RONCO and of the Eritrean Demining Operations (EDO). They 
also visited the Demining Coordination Centre.

For Further Information Related to the Humanitarian Update, Please 
contact: OCHA - Eritrea Public Information Section at 291-1-151666/151888, 
Fax- 291-1-151999, e-mail: gebrehiwots@un.org

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