International Disabled Day and World HIV/AIDS Day marked Here

International Day of the Disabled was marked in Asmara Expo grounds at national level.

Asmara, 2 December 2011 – International Day of the Disabled was marked in Asmara Expo grounds at national level.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Labor and Human Welfare, Ms. Salma Hassen, said that the Government has introduced rehabilitation programs and assistance aimed at improving the living standard of disabled nationals. She further explained that a number of disabled persons have managed to register commendable improvement in their lifestyle.

Likewise, Mr. Gebreab Fisehaye from the Ministry called on the concerned body to play due role in encouraging the sports potential of disabled citizens.

A two-day exhibition featuring the work of the Association of disabled citizens has also opened.

In another reports, World AIDS Day was observed in the country under the theme:  “Zero HIV Infection, Zero Mortality rate, Zero Stigma and Discrimination”.

In a speech she delivered in connection with the event, the Minister of Health, Ms. Amna Nurhusein, pointed out that one of the main objectives of observing HIV/AIDS Day is to enhance public awareness so as to control it. She also underlined the significance of concerted effort to attain the set goal.

The representative of WHO in Eritrea, Dr. Idris Sow, equally commended the endeavors of the Eritrean government to expand social services, and asserted the WHO’s readiness to extend the necessary support.

International Day of the Disabled marked for the 16th time in Eritrea and the 20th at the international level, while HIV/AIDS was observed here for the 23rd time and the 18th worldwide.