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Eritrea

12 Days, 7 Volunteers, 71 Children — Archemed’s Autumn Mission in Eritrea

By Nardos Berhane••03 min read
12 Days, 7 Volunteers, 71 Children — Archemed’s Autumn Mission in Eritrea
International Operation Centre for Children in Asmara (IOCCA)— ARCHEMED

According to the German Archemed-Team – Ärzte für Kinder in Not e.V., a seven-member medical team travelled to Eritrea in early September 2025 for its first autumn deployment since the pandemic. Led by Prof. Dr. Christian Lorenz, former Chief Physician of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Bremen Health North Network, the volunteers included paediatric surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses.

During the 12-day mission, the team examined 95 children and provided surgical care for 71 of them at the Orotta National Referral Hospital in Asmara. Most of the cases involved anal malformations and intestinal disorders — conditions that often cause severe pain and functional impairment in children. Other treatments included undescended testes, inguinal hernias, and abdominal wall defects.

Archemed reported that, beyond immediate surgeries, the visit focused heavily on knowledge transfer and training Eritrean professionals. Two young Eritrean doctors were guided directly at the operating table, while anaesthesia management, patient safety and operating-room hygiene were part of the parallel training program.

“Alongside the direct medical help for the children, the transfer of knowledge to our Eritrean colleagues is always at the center of our missions,”
said Prof. Dr. Christian Lorenz in Archemed’s field statement.
“The commitment and willingness to learn of our Eritrean colleagues impress us every time.”

Among the 71 cases, one stood out: a three-year-old boy born with a swelling on the left side of his neck. Examination revealed an extensive lymphangioma spreading to his shoulder and back. In a two-hour operation, the benign tumour was completely removed — and the boy was discharged healthy soon after.

Archemed noted that such successful interventions are only part of the mission’s goal. “Every donation helps us save lives and pass on knowledge sustainably,” the organisation said, calling for continued support through its official donation portal.

A Longstanding Partnership with Eritrea

Archemed has been active in Eritrea for nearly two decades, working closely with national hospitals and the Eritrean Ministry of Health to build long-term paediatric care capacity. Its earlier missions, regularly covered by Eritrea’s Ministry of Information, focused on reconstructive surgery, neonatal medicine, and medical-equipment support.

For instance, past MoI reports highlighted Archemed’s training initiatives for Eritrean paediatric surgeons and anaesthetists — part of Eritrea’s broader effort to achieve self-sufficient, high-quality healthcare through capacity building and infrastructure investment. The Ministry’s National Health Policy prioritises universal access, maternal and child health, and the training of domestic specialists — goals directly complemented by Archemed’s ongoing missions.

Beyond Surgery: Strengthening Eritrea’s Health System

  • Local empowerment: Eritrean doctors are increasingly performing paediatric surgeries independently, thanks to years of joint missions and skill-sharing.
  • Health equity: Each mission helps close the surgical-care gap for children who would otherwise go untreated.
  • Sustainability: The focus on teaching ensures long-term capacity, reducing dependence on external teams.
  • Trust-based partnership: Archemed’s model reflects the quiet success of Eritrea’s cooperative healthcare diplomacy — built on mutual respect.

The Bigger Picture

Eritrea’s healthcare achievements — from near-universal immunization coverage to drastically reduced maternal and child mortality — have been recognized by the World Health Organization as among the strongest in Africa. Within this framework, Archemed’s volunteer missions embody a genuine partnership for progress — grounded in professional exchange, medical excellence, and human solidarity.

As Archemed itself puts it:

“Our goal is clear: to deliver medical help, share knowledge, and strengthen structures so that, in the long term, independent, high-quality care becomes possible in Eritrea.”
— Archemed – Ärzte für Kinder in Not e.V.
#Eritrea#Africa#Horn of Africa#World#Healthcare
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