COSMED Supports Medical and Sports Mission in Eritrea with K5 Technology

In April 2025, COSMED proudly supported Ass. Iter – Associazione Italia Eritrea, a non-profit italian organization, during a 10-day medical and sports mission in Asmara (Eritrea). The initiative aimed to promote healthcare and athletic development in a country known for its challenges, but also for its resilience and potential.

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A team of 12 volunteers took part in the mission, including Prof. Marco Brunori, Director of the Respiratory Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation Unit at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” – Policlinico Umberto I; Dr. Roberto Pierro, pulmonologist at Policlinico Casilino in Rome; Dr. Ilaria Menichini, pulmonologist at the Institute of Medicine and Sports Science of CONI; Dr. Sara Monosilio, cardiologist at Policlinico Umberto I and CONI; and Giulio Pugliese, PhD candidate in Exercise Physiology at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and a member of the COSMED team. They were joined by physicians, students and medical doctors.
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The COSMED K5 wearable metabolic system was at the heart of the mission, facilitating Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) for over 30 athletes, both male and female, specializing in track and field and cycling. Among the participants were national and continental champions, including marathon runner Afewerki Berhne, who has a personal best of 2:05:22.
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Each athlete underwent two CPET sessions using the K5—cyclists were tested on a cycle ergometer, while runners were evaluated on the track. The goal was to assess sport eligibility and define personalized training zones, providing the athletes with accurate data to train effectively and safely.
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Local Eritrean youth were actively involved in supporting the team during the mission, and dedicated training sessions were held for local doctors, who took part in the assessments and medical evaluations.
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This mission underscores the powerful role that advanced technology, like the COSMED K5, can play when paired with international collaboration—helping build capacity, improve health outcomes, and promote excellence in sport where it is most needed.