Asmara and Eritrea’s mountainous central region are home to seasonally migratory and nomadic populations, making access to essential health services difficult. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing higher risks such as maternal mortality and gaps in immunization due to geographic isolation, mobility, and cultural factors.
To address these challenges, flexible and community-driven outreach approaches have been introduced. A 2020 immunization assessment revealed that many sub-regions face physical barriers like rugged terrain, limiting access to vaccines. In response, Eritrea’s health authorities, supported by the World Health Organization and partners, developed a comprehensive plan to improve routine immunization among young children, adolescent girls, and women of childbearing age.
The strategy involves deploying trained vaccinators, community workers, and supervisors to remote villages, working alongside Eritrea’s “barefoot doctors”—frontline health workers who provide essential care in hard-to-reach communities. This model, originally developed in China in the 1960s and adapted in Eritrea, emphasizes basic medical training and community-based service delivery to expand healthcare access.
These coordinated efforts have led to significant improvements in immunization coverage. By 2024 and 2025, Eritrea achieved vaccination rates exceeding 95% for routine childhood immunizations, even in remote areas. High coverage has also been recorded for maternal vaccinations and health education, reflecting strong community engagement and effective outreach.
The success is attributed to strong government commitment and collaboration with international partners such as UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which provide funding, vaccines, and logistical support. Additional operational support from global funding mechanisms has enabled repeated outreach campaigns, covering costs like training, transport, and field operations.
Technical support from the World Health Organization has strengthened planning, monitoring, and implementation. Standardized tools, training materials, and supervision systems have been distributed nationwide to ensure consistency and quality in immunization services.
Despite logistical challenges—such as villages accessible only by foot or camel—health workers continue to reach remote populations through regular outreach efforts. These initiatives have not only improved health outcomes but also boosted morale among healthcare providers, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring that every child is vaccinated and protected.
