Eritrea

Key Results in 2022-2023

More than 10 million male condoms were distributed to health facilities across the country.
The national HIV drug resistance survey was completed.
Integrated prevention of vertical transmission, antenatal care, syphilis and hepatitis programmes benefited over 179 000 pregnant women in 2023.
Community-led HIV programmes and community-led monitoring were strengthened to scale up high-impact and evidence-based HIV prevention services.

Joint Programme Results

Eritrea, with significant support from the Joint Programme, scaled up HIV prevention and testing services among vulnerable and key populations. For instance, more than 10 million male condoms were distributed to healthcare facilities across the country to promote safe sexual practices and reduce new HIV infections (UNFPA). In addition, about 300 000 people received HIV counselling and testing in 2022 and 2023 (UNICEF, UNDP, WHO).

With the technical and financial support of the Joint Programme, the distribution of 18 000 informational materials on HIV prevention, care, treatment services, and issues related to inequalities, stigma, and discrimination has significantly raised community awareness across the country (UNFPA).

In line with international recommendations, the HIV drug resistance survey guidelines were developed and focal persons from the Ministry of Health were oriented ensuring the completion of the 2023 survey (WHO). 

HIV incidence per 1000 uninfected populations

Source: AIDSinfo

AIDS mortality per 1000 population

Source: AIDSinfo

Progress towards 95-95-95 targets

Source: AIDSinfo

The Government scaled up effective prevention of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis programmes, which included integrated hepatitis and antenatal care services putting the country on the right track for validation of elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT). Through these programmes, close to 180 000 pregnant women attending antenatal care services were tested for HIV and syphilis in 2023, with a positivity rate of 0.13% for HIV and 0.62% for syphilis (NACP national report). The national EMTCT validation committee was trained and conducted the preliminary assessment of programme implementation, data quality, laboratory services as well as human rights, gender equalities and community engagement – with the final certification process still ongoing (UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat).

To promote male involvement in preventing vertical transmission of HIV, a newly established technical group developed training materials for service providers to improve their capacity of interpersonal communication, social and behaviour change communication, and community dialogues needed to engage their clients, community leaders, and women who are at high risk of HIV infection in their communities (UNICEF, WHO).

The Joint Programme’s support strengthened community-led HIV programmes and community-led monitoring to reduce new HIV infections with high-impact and evidence-based HIV prevention services; and address stigma and discrimination to ensure gender-responsive and people-centred services. In addition, 50 representatives of the Ministry of Justice improved their understanding of international human rights laws and the need to incorporate key standards, including laws addressing stigma and inequality in alignment with Eritrean culture, beliefs and value systems through a five-day dialogue (UNDP). 