Q: Eritrea has made significant progress in health over the past decades. What do you see as some of the country's key achievements?

Dr Mary Stephen: Eritrea has demonstrated that sustained improvements in health is possible even in a resource-constrained environment. Important gains have been made in maternal and child health, immunization coverage and access to essential health services.

One of the country's greatest strengths is its focus on Primary Health Care (PHC) and prevention. Through investments in health facilities, community-based services and the barefoot doctors programme, Eritrea has worked to ensure health services reach even remote communities. Its commitment to equitable access to essential services has also contributed significantly to better health outcomes.

Q: What role has the principle of self-reliance played in Eritrea's health sector?

Dr Mary Stephen: Self-reliance has been central to Eritrea's development approach and the resilience of its health sector. At a time when many countries face declining development assistance and growing pressure on health financing, Eritrea's long-standing emphasis on national ownership and sustainable investments has helped it sustain progress.

This commitment is reflected in investments in health services through PHC,  health workforce, laboratory,, community-based care and local production capacity. Building national expertise and strong institutions is essential to ensuring countries can respond effectively to current and future health challenges.

Q: From WHO's perspective, why is investing in primary health care so important?

Dr Mary Stephen: Primary health care is the cornerstone for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It is one of the most effective investments a country can make to ensure equitable access to health services It helps prevent disease, detect health problems early and provide essential services before conditions become more serious.

In Eritrea, community-based approaches have expanded access to health services in remote areas. Community health workers and barefoot doctors play a vital role in promoting healthy behaviors, supporting maternal and child health and connecting communities with health facilities. Strong primary health care also enables countries to maintain essential services during emergencies while meeting routine health needs.

Q: How important are national expertise and innovation for the future of health in Eritrea?

Dr Mary Stephen: They are essential. Countries need skilled health professionals and strong institutions that can generate evidence, guide decision-making and respond to emerging health challenges.

Visits to health facilities and national institutions have shown encouraging progress in areas such as laboratory science, genomic sequencing, regulation and specialized health services. Innovation is not only about new technologies; it is also about finding practical, sustainable ways to improve the quality and delivery of health services. Investing in people and knowledge remains fundamental to long-term progress.

Q: How does WHO's partnership with Eritrea contribute to the country's health priorities?

Dr Mary Stephen: WHO's partnership with Eritrea is built on mutual trust, shared priorities and a common commitment to improving health outcomes. WHO supports national priorities by strengthening capacities, providing technical expertise and working alongside national institutions across priority areas such as primary health care, maternal and child health, emergency preparedness, laboratory systems, and disease prevention and control including non-communicable diseases.
What makes this partnership especially meaningful is Eritrea's strong national commitment to health and the dedication of its health professionals and communities.

Q: Looking ahead, what gives you confidence about the future of health in Eritrea?

Dr Mary Stephen: Strong national leadership committed health workers and engaged communities give me great confidence. Eritrea continues to invest in people, institutions and health systems while strengthening national capacities and building on the progress already achieved.