Looks at human resources (HR) issues with regard to the health care system in Eritrea, the newest nation in Africa with a population of 3.5 million. Notes the problems of poor infrastructure, high mortality rates and poverty. Considers the present situation and future requirements in terms of HR. Features programmes being established aimed at bridging this gap and looks particularly at initiatives aimed at enabling ex-combatants who have wartime health care experience to train further as health workers.