Asmara — A cross-country workshop on evaluating the impact of malaria and HIV/AIDS epidemics opened today at the Hotel Intercontinental Asmara in which representatives from over 10 countries are participating.

In an opening speech, the Minister of Health, Mr. Saleh Meki, expressed appreciation to the participants and the Representative of the World Bank in Eritrea who organized the workshop. He pointed out that Eritrea has been mentioned as one of the top five countries in the world which have registered the highest achievement in controlling the malaria epidemic. As regards HIV/AIDS, Mr. Saleh stated that the rate of infection has been stabilized and reduced in some cases, while awareness throughout the community has shown remarkable changes in behavior. The Minister further emphasized that these achievements are the outcome of the Eritrean government's strong commitment and effective community participation.

Indicating that there are parties which claim that the existence of adequate resources constitutes a prerequisite for the eradication of diseases, Mr. Saleh underlined that although the availability of resources is of vital significance in tackling diseases, this by itself could not resolve problems.

Also speaking at the opening session, the Country Representative of the World Bank, Mr. Chris Lovelace, said that the workshop was held here in Eritrea in view of the fact that it is one of the countries that registered major achievements in controlling malaria infection, reducing infant mortality rates and other health related matters.

The Sinnit and Wari cultural troupes staged musical performances on the occasion.

Representatives from Eritrea, Kenya, Benin, DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Zambia and South Sudan are taking part in the five-day cross-country workshop.