Mr. Gebrehiwet Tekeste, head of healthcare services in the Teseney sub-zone, called on the public to strengthen its participation in efforts to eradicate harmful practices.
Underscoring that female genital mutilation and underage marriage are still practised in some areas, Mr. Gebrehiwet said that awareness-raising activities are being conducted in 11 administrative areas of the sub-zone. He further called for a stronger role and greater contribution from religious leaders and area administrators in the effort.
Underlining that maternal deaths during childbirth can result from the consequences of female genital mutilation and underage marriage, Mr. Gebrehiwet emphasized the importance of the participation of influential members of society in controlling these practices, which are punishable by law.
Ms. Hafisa Mohammed, from the prosecutor’s office in the sub-zone, indicated that female genital mutilation is prohibited in Eritrea under Proclamation No. 158/2007, while underage marriage is prohibited under Article 581 of the Civil Code. She added that those who participate in these illegal practices are punishable by law.
The religious leaders, noting that female genital mutilation is not accepted by religion, expressed their readiness to conduct awareness-raising activities alongside their religious sermons.
Mr. Seium Gebreyesus, administrator of the sub-zone, called on the public to participate actively in efforts to eradicate harmful practices. He also called on area administrators and village coordinators to conduct regular follow-up activities.
The participants expressed their readiness to strengthen their participation in efforts to eradicate harmful practices and control the prevalence of malaria.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
