Northern Red Sea region: Ministry commends public role in implementing health programs

The effective implementation of health programs of the branch office of the Ministry of Health in the Northern Red Sea region is the outcome of concerted endeavors on the part of the public, stated Dr. Yohannes Tekeste, head of the branch office.

Assab, 1 September 2011 – The effective implementation of health programs of the branch office of the Ministry of Health in the Northern Red Sea region is the outcome of concerted endeavors on the part of the public, stated Dr. Yohannes Tekeste, head of the branch office.

He said that the implemented programs include controlling communicable diseases, upgrading the capacity of village health personnel, medical check-up regarding pre-and post-pregnancy, mother and child care, vaccination programs, promoting drug supply and medical equipments.

Pointing out that malaria prevalence has declined by 95% in the region, Dr. Yohannes explained that malaria has been put under control in sub-zones of Ginda, She’ib and Foro. He added that HIV/AIDS check-up has also been introduced in all health institutions in the region and a result the disease has dropped significantly.

Moreover, Dr. Yohannes said that dental service has been opened in Massawa, while eye medical service was introduced in Massawa and Ginda towns. He further explained that eye examination has been carried out over 1,000 citizens in the sub-zones of Karora, Adobha, Nacfa and Afabet over the past six months in which eye surgery would be performed to 120 of them in Afabet town.

Reports indicated that there exist 49 health institutions, including a referral hospital in the Northern Red Sea region.