in the general population. Respect and protection of the rights of those infected is also a major Government task with the full support and decisive contribution of all nongovernment actors. The establishment of the HIV/AIDs Persons Association (named Biddho – meaning Challenge!) is also a significant step in avoiding stigmatization and marginalization of victims. During the reporting period, the Government has assisted 5,654 persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. It provided them a monthly USD 35 cash assistance to improve their nutrition and enhance their immune system, very crucial to the survival of the patients. The NUEYS has also established the Eritrean Social Marketing Group and promotes awareness, education programmes, support schemes and condom distribution to assist prevention efforts. 152. Defeating blindness in Eritrea is also a major task. As a result of the successful vitamin A supplement programme blindness is now rarely seen. Prevention effort on trachoma, cataract blindness and related health problems is also pursued significantly. The eye hospital in the capital city and the major eye clinics in each region conduct cataract surgery and provide treatment on eye diseases and injuries. Trichiasis surgery is also routinely provided in few regional eye clinics A survey conducted by the MoH in 2009 shows that cataract incidence is fairly low, although it was lower for women. A total of 5,694 cataract surgeries were conducted during the reporting period and 3,846 people were diagnosed with glaucoma and given treatment. Moreover, hygiene and sanitation awareness campaigns are also administered as part of the Preventive and early intervention strategy. 153. Committed to meeting the need of cataract blinds in Eritrea, the Fred Hollows IOL High Tech Laboratory is providing IOLs (Intra Ocular Lenses) to eye hospitals and clinics. It commenced production in the mid-1995 and has since produced over 2.2 million lenses and over 2 million people (including Eritreans) have restored their sight problems. The Laboratory meets the domestic demands and exports market to Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania. The quality undergoes quality assessment by in-house and international quality control institutions. Quality and every stage of the manufacturing process is managed by a set of Standard Operating Procedures. The Laboratory was ISO 9001, ISO13485, MDD Certified and CE Mark accredited by an international body in 2000. These certifications confirm its compliance with European and International standards of quality manufacturing practice of medical devices enabling world-wide export of the Eritrean IOL product. 148. Eritrea has also made concerted effort to ensure the availability and affordability of essential drugs. AzelPharma Industry, established in 2001, produces more than 48 products covering 7 therapeutic ranges and the list is going to increase in the near future. Medicines are sold at subsidized and sometimes at affordable prices and are accessible over the counter on the basis of medical authorization for prescription medicines. Eritrea imports additional drugs, but monitoring the standard of the drugs is also a major task. 154. Access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, complemented by consistent hygienic practices, is amongst the core prerequisites of sustainable human development and Page 33 of 100