Seid Saleh Meki
(Beilul) October 7th, 2009. The martyred fighter Minister Saleh was born on 12 December 1948 in Gul’ie, Central region, from his father Mr. Seid Saleh Meki and mother Mrs. Saedia Abdalla. He attended school up to Grade 4 at the Medeber Elementary School and evening classes at the Principe Italian School. Following academic classes from Grade 5 to 8 at the Islamia and Godaif schools, he completed his 9th grade at the Prince Makonnen School in 1963 and subsequently joined the Nursing School in Asmara where he pursued his studies from 1963 to 1967. The late Minister Saleh served as a teacher at the Asmara Nursing School from 1968 to 1972, and later pursued science education at the University of Asmara where he graduated in diploma. In 1972, he began studying at the College of Health Science in Minnesota University, USA, where he obtained Bachelor of Science degree in 1974. He further continued his studies in Biology at the same College during the years 1974-1979. The late Minister Saleh Meki also graduated in Marine Science from the State University of California upon completion of courses from 1980 to 1982. Also from 1980 to 1984, he worked at the renowned Moss Landing Marine Laboratory where he undertook research studies. Since 1972, the martyred Minister Saleh worked as an expert in anesthesia in various US hospitals for over 15 years. In line with his active participation and organizational capacity in the liberation struggle, he fulfilled organizational duties in various capacities in Minnesota and California, USA, from 1972 to 1980. During the years 1980-1984, Minister Saleh made significant contribution in organizing Eritrean nationals in western USA, besides popularizing the just cause of the Eritrean people’s struggle for independence. The late Comrade Saleh served as EPLF representative in western USA from 1984 up to the achievement of independence, during which he made valuable contribution to the victory of the liberation struggle. Cutting short his PHD courses, he returned home in 1991 and served as Minister of Marine Resources up to 1997, and later on as Minister of Health from 1997 to February 2009. Moreover, the late Saleh Meki served the nation with devotion as Minister of Fisheries beginning in February 2009 until his martyrdom. He was a modest, sociable and dedicated comrade. The martyred fighter Saleh Meki was elected as Member of the EPLF Central Council during the 3rd Congress of the Front which was held in 1994. In the discharge of all the responsibilities to which he was entrusted, the late Minister Saleh strived for the realization of the set goals. During the 12 years he served as the Minister of Health in particular, he played a leading role in the implementation of the Government’s and PFDJ’s programs aimed at ensuring the expansion of equitable and efficient health services along with trained manpower in all parts of the country. In this respect, Mr. Saleh’s contribution together with fellow comrades and co-workers is praiseworthy, enabling the country to win broad acclaim at the continental and international levels as regards the development of all-round health service in general and control of various diseases in particular. The martyred Fighter Saleh Meki is survived by his wife and 4 children. He was martyred on 2 October 2009 in Massawa city at the age of 62 due to heart stroke. The funeral service of the late Minister Saleh was conducted today, the 6th of October, at the Patriots Cemetery in Asmara in the presence of President Isaias Afwerki, Ministers, PFDJ heads, Army commanders and comrades, as well as thousands of citizens, including members of the EDF and members of the Diplomatic Corps, religious leaders and international organizations. Expressing deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Fighter Saleh Meki, the Government of Eritrea conveys condolences to the bereaved family. Eternal Glory to Our Martyrs! Victory to the Masses!
source http://www.madote.com/2009/10/brief-biography-of-martyred-minister.html