news & announcement
: ERIPHA Hosts Successful 4th Scientific Conference and Annual Congress in Asmara
The Eritrean Public Health Association (ERI_PHA) officially conducted its 4th Scientific Conference and Annual Congressional Meeting on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Held at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW) Hall, the event brought together public health professionals, researchers, and stakeholders under the timely theme: “Empowering Public Health Professionals, Improving Population Health.”
The conference served as a vital platform for advancing evidence-based public health strategies in Eritrea, highlighting cutting-edge local research, and reinforcing the professional framework of the workforce.
Advancing Public Health Knowledge Through Research
A core highlight of the conference was the presentation of diverse, high-impact research papers tackling critical public health priorities in the region. The presentations and subsequent discussions focused on several key areas:
Adolescent Health: Exploring Adolescent Smoking Continuum Trajectories.
Gender and Education: Investigating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of School Absenteeism due to Menstrual-Related Problems.
Maternal Health: Examining the Determinant Factors of Home Delivery.
Specialized Care and Quality of Life: Assessing the Quality of Life and Its Determination Among Glaucoma Patients.
Foundational Public Health: Deliberating on Public Health Practices and exploring the fundamental question of Why Public Health Matters.
The presentation of these studies sparked extensive, constructive discussions among participants, culminating in a series of forward-looking recommendations aimed at integrating these findings into actionable health interventions and national policy consideration.
Strengthening Institutional and Professional Frameworks
Beyond the scientific sessions, the annual congress reviewed the association's comprehensive administrative and performance reports, alongside a review of the revised ERI_PHA constitution to further strengthen the organization’s governance.
In his address to the congress, Dr. Fitsum Kibreab, President of ERI_PHA, emphasized that the conference is much more than a knowledge-sharing platform. "This serves as a forum for critical discussions that will actively shape the future of our country's health system," Dr. Fitsum stated.
Dr. Fitsum also shared a major strategic initiative currently underway: the development of a comprehensive job description document for public health professionals across all tiers of the health system. Once finalized, this document will be shared with the Ministry of Health to ensure strict alignment with the Ministry's existing frameworks.
By clearly defining the roles, responsibilities, and professional expectations of public health workers, this upcoming framework aims to substantially enhance workplace professionalism, optimize service delivery, and ultimately drive better health outcomes for the entire population.
The 4th Congress concluded with a renewed collective commitment from members to foster innovation, support national health priorities, and continue elevating the standards of public health practice across Eritrea.