Egypt reaffirms commitment to health reform, universal coverage at WHO assembly

Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population reiterated its commitment to overhauling the healthcare system and expanding infrastructure during a panel on health financing at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Deputy Health Minister Amr Kandil said Egypt remains focused on achieving universal health coverage despite global and regional economic pressures. He noted that the Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS), launched in 2019, forms the backbone of the country’s healthcare strategy and aims to reach 12.8 million people by the end of its second phase.

Egypt has quadrupled its health budget since 2014, Kandil said, highlighting a 30 per cent increase in health allocations for the 2023/24 fiscal year and a planned 25 per cent rise in 2025/26. More than 120 billion Egyptian pounds have been allocated for infrastructure development, with 1,300 projects underway to upgrade services, facilities, and drug availability.

Kandil said the government is also working to enhance pharmaceutical security through collaboration with the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) and Unified Procurement Authority (UPA). Efforts include boosting local drug production, reducing import reliance, and expanding pharmaceutical exports.

Addressing broader health challenges, Kandil highlighted non-communicable diseases—which account for 86 per cent of deaths in Egypt—alongside growing mental health needs and the impact of climate change.

The ministry also reaffirmed its national action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance, launched in 2018, which targets aligning 60 per cent of antibiotic prescriptions with WHO guidelines to reduce resistance risks.

Kandil said Egypt is pursuing a dual strategy of scaling up public investment while expanding the role of the private sector. He added that digital transformation, international partnerships, and workforce development will be central to Egypt’s Vision 2030 health goals.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser