Egypt leverages diplomacy to advance global health partnerships
Egypt is aligning its foreign diplomacy with national health priorities as part of a broader strategy to enhance international cooperation in the health sector.
On Sunday, Foreign Minister and Minister of Immigration Badr Abdelatty met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar to discuss how Egypt's diplomatic missions abroad can help achieve key health development goals.
The meeting, held as part of a series of briefings for newly appointed ambassadors, focused on ways embassies can support the Ministry of Health by attracting foreign investment, fostering international partnerships, and promoting knowledge exchange—particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing, a sector in which Egypt is emerging as a regional leader.
Abdelatty emphasized the strategic role of diplomacy in positioning Egypt as a hub for the pharmaceutical industry, with enhanced access to African, Central Asian, and select European markets.
Minister Abdel Ghaffar detailed Egypt's ongoing health reforms, including high-profile initiatives such as the eradication of hepatitis C and malaria—milestones that have garnered global recognition. He also highlighted the expansion of healthcare infrastructure and increased public investment aimed at ensuring equitable access to medical services across the country.
A key focus of the discussion was the Universal Health Insurance Project, launched in 2019, which aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to all Egyptians. Abdel Ghaffar called for continued international support, both technical and financial, to help advance the program and reinforce Egypt's role in global health cooperation.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Dr. Rasha Kelej drives an impactful change in public health landscape in Africa and beyond by providing 2282 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks 'World Health Day' 2025 in partnership with Africa's First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother' Campaign, with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to improving and revolutionizing healthcare access across Africa, Asia and beyond through their Scholarships and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation shared, 'For over last 13 years, our efforts at Merck Foundation have been to ensure equitable access to healthcare through education, training and awareness initiatives that not only helps transform the patientcare landscape in Africa and Asia but also empower communities and medical professionals. I am proud to share that together with our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape. We achieve this by providing more than 2282 scholarships to young doctors providers across 52 countries in Africa, Asia, and beyond, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology&Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma&Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity&Weight Management, Women's Health and many more.' As per a WHO, African region has a ratio of only 1.55 health workers including physicians, nurses and midwives per 1000 people*. This is below the WHO threshold density of 4.45 health workers per 1000 people needed to deliver essential health services and achieve universal health coverage. Therefore, the Merck Foundation scholarships are highly significant, as they provide doctors with specialized training, helping to bridge healthcare gaps and improve patient care in underserved communities. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, 'Before the launch of Merck Foundation programs in 2012, many countries—including The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh—had either no or very few specialists in critical fields such as Oncology, Fertility and Reproductive Care, Diabetology, Respiratory Medicine, and Intensive Care. I am proud to share that many of our alumni have become, or are on their way to becoming, the first specialists in their respective countries. We are building a lasting legacy in Africa.' Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as Ministries of Health, Education, Information&Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social&economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. Dr. Kelej shared, 'This year's theme, 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,' aligns perfectly with our initiatives to educate young minds on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, as well as diabetes and hypertension awareness. Together with First Ladies of Africa, we have launched two storybooks on these health topics and adapted them into engaging and inspiring animated films'. Watch Sugar Free Jude Animation Film: Watch Mark's Pressure Animation Film: Merck Foundation also launches awards for the best media, film, fashion designs, and songs on these themes to encourage local artists and young talents to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in their communities, through their everyday work. Merck Foundation believes that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is key to ensuring equitable and quality healthcare across Africa. 'I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for our 2025 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors. These include one-year diploma and two-year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs and Online Diploma programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country,' shared Senator Dr Rasha Kelej. To Apply for In campus Scholarships: To Apply for Online Scholarships, visit: The selection for each scholarship will be based on request by First Lady Office, Ministry of Health and / or Medical Society with the aim to fill the gaps of public healthcare system in each country. The selection will be based on eligibility criteria fulfillment of each training Institute and Foundation, scholarship availability and fund availability. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.


Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
INDEX signs agreement with Egypt's UPA
Cairo: INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding and one of the UAE's leading organizers of specialized events, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and Technology Management (UPA) during the fourth edition of Africa Health ExCon 2025, the continent's largest healthcare event, held under the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. The MoU aims to enhance strategic cooperation between the two parties in organizing medical conferences and exhibitions, leveraging advanced medical supply chain management expertise and unifying efforts to foster innovation, localize medical technologies, and broaden regional and international integration within the health sector. The partnership seeks to advance healthcare systems and strengthen regional health security. The MoU was signed by H.E. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region, Chairman of INDEX Holding, and Dr. Hisham Siteit, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and Technology Management (UPA), in the presence of Maj. Gen. Dr. Ahmed Amin, Senior Dentist of the Egyptian Armed Forces; Prof. Karim Mustafa Ibrahim Al-Batouti, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Maj. Gen. Dr. Raafat Riyad, Professor at the Military Medical Academy; Mr. Tariq AlMadani, CEO of INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions; and Mrs. Sara AlMadani, CEO of INDEX Media. INDEX's participation reaffirms its commitment to actively shaping the global health events landscape and contributing meaningfully to a more innovative and efficient healthcare future. The conference is rapidly growing in impact and reach, attracting an increasing number of companies and organizations that view the platform as a gateway to expand their presence in Africa's promising market. Educational and awareness programs developed through such partnerships act as catalysts for enhancing health and well-being across the Arab world and the African continent. H.E. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani highlighted the strategic importance of collaborating with UPA, noting that the MoU opens new and impactful partnerships that underscore the UAE's pioneering role in supporting regional and global healthcare and education efforts. He stated: 'At INDEX Holding, we believe that building healthy, sustainable communities begins with strengthening regional and international collaboration, mobilizing expertise, and aligning efforts between the public and private sectors. This partnership with the Egyptian UPA is a model of constructive cooperation between our two brotherly nations and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and scientific knowledge across the region. We view this agreement as a gateway to transformative initiatives that will deliver tangible improvements in health quality, in line with the Year of Community objectives and the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan.' For his part, Dr. Hisham Siteit confirmed that the UPA seeks to leverage INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions' extensive experience in managing international events, thereby boosting Egypt's institutional capabilities and advancing frameworks for healthcare communication and collaboration across the Arab and African regions. He stated: 'We believe in the importance of regional and international cooperation in developing the healthcare sector, particularly in medical technologies, continuing education, and knowledge exchange. This partnership will enable us to adopt global best practices in organizing medical and scientific conferences.' Following the signing of the agreement, H.E. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani announced a pioneering educational initiative that grants all 40,000 participating doctors and speakers at Africa Health ExCon a one-year membership in the International Congress for Health Specialties (ICHS). This membership gives them access to the Congress's educational programs and the opportunity to attend lectures on the Waterfalls Global Initiative platform, which covers all medical and health specialties. The initiative is valued at approximately USD 10 million. Dr. Hisham Siteit praised this generous initiative, describing it as clear evidence of H.E. Amb. Dr. AlMadani's steadfast commitment to fostering regional and international collaboration in the healthcare sector. This non-profit initiative, which is dedicated to knowledge transfer and the promotion of continuous education to empower professionals across various sectors worldwide, along with the International Congress for Health Specialties (ICHS), the global platform that brings together more than 438 specialties and subspecialties, represents a significant step toward enhancing continuous medical education, advancing research and innovation, and expanding access to knowledge, thereby contributing to the improvement of healthcare quality at the global level. This announcement reaffirms the strategic importance of the partnership and demonstrates INDEX's commitment to making health quality improvement a national priority through innovative initiatives, integrated strategies, and programs designed to build healthier, more productive communities. Signing this memorandum advances joint efforts to create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that unites public and private sector expertise and achieves the positive impact envisioned by the UAE's leadership, while strengthening regional cooperation and expanding a network of high-impact partnerships across the health, education, and technology sectors. The participation of INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions in the Africa Health ExCon 2025 reflects a strategic vision that extends beyond symbolic presence, exerting tangible influence on the future of the global healthcare events sector. Such platforms have evolved from seasonal gatherings into essential instruments for policy development, innovation, and cross-border collaboration in addressing global health challenges. Through its participation, INDEX seeks to forge lasting relationships with key sector stakeholders and broaden collaboration with healthcare and academic institutions, strengthening its capacity for strategic, sustainable expansion in African and global markets. This reflects the company's conviction that purposeful presence, grounded in vision, expertise, and long-term planning, truly distinguishes leaders in the conferences and exhibitions industry, builds partner trust, and reinforces Dubai's position as a premier global hub for knowledge, innovation, and world-class event organization. Since its establishment in 1991, INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions has positioned itself as an active partner in the global economic ecosystem, playing a central role in advancing the international medical sector's development vision. Over three decades, INDEX has developed and managed landmark projects in health, entertainment, humanitarian work, economic and industrial sectors, and other key fields. Each year, INDEX organizes over 40 events across the region and internationally, covering vital areas such as healthcare, education, innovation, the economic sector, and creative industries, attracting thousands of visitors and participants from every continent. INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions manages every stage of event planning and execution, from conceptual design to implementation, and plays a significant role in driving economic growth by supporting tourism, providing platforms for knowledge and trade exchange, and facilitating engagement between experts and decision-makers. INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions has firmly established its position as the official organizer of some of the world's most prominent specialized conferences and exhibitions, including the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals & Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT); the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition (AEEDC Dubai); the Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition (Dubai Derma); the Healthcare Future Summit (HFS); the International Family Medicine Conference and Exhibition (IFM); the Annual Radiology Meeting (ARM); and other prestigious global platforms.


Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty and the Egyptian Healthcare Authority sign landmark agreement at Africa Health ExCon 2025
On the sidelines of the fourth edition of Africa Health ExCon 2025, Chairman of the board of directors of Egypt HealthCare Authority and L'Oréal Egypt's Managing Director witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Egyptian Healthcare Authority and L'Oréal Egypt to develop dermatological health services in Egypt. This collaboration aims to improve the quality and accessibility of dermatological health services nationwide. It also builds on Egypt's legacy as a historical cradle of beauty and medical innovation, supporting the country's healthcare vision. Cairo, Egypt: L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Healthcare Authority to expand access to advanced dermatological care within the Authority's facilities, open new avenues for collaboration in medical tourism and specialized care, in addition to supporting oncology patients with specialized skin health services - reinforcing Egypt's historical legacy as a cradle of beauty and medical innovation. The agreement was signed during Africa Health ExCon, held from June 24 to 27, 2025— a premier platform for healthcare innovation in the region— in the presence of Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of the Egypt Healthcare Authority and Supervisor General of the Universal Health Insurance and Life Dignified projects, and Mr. Mohamed El Araby, Managing Director of L'Oréal Egypt. The MoU was signed on behalf of the Authority by Dr. Amir Eltalwany, CEO of Egyptian Healthcare Authority, and on behalf of L'Oréal by Sandrine Japhet-Sibboni, L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty General Manager. Also present at the signing from the Authority's side was Dr. Reham Elshinnawy, Director of communication and international cooperation at Egypt Healthcare Authority. Representing L'Oréal Egypt were Dr. Roba Ali, Public Affairs Director at L'Oréal MENA and Nahla Mokhtar, Communications & Sustainability Responsible Director. This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating dermatological care standards across Egypt by leveraging L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty's global scientific expertise with EHA's public health leadership. The MoU sets forth a dual-impact strategy that underscores both economic advancement and social responsibility. In this context, Dr. Ahmed El Sobky, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Egypt HealthCare Authority affirmed that this partnership with one of the world's leading institutions in dermatological health marks a pivotal step toward developing integrated specialized care models that address both the psychological and physical needs of patients. It also contributes to delivering world-class healthcare services within Egypt, supporting the state's efforts to localize advanced healthcare. He added: 'At the EHA, we're committed to building strategic partnerships with major international entities to drive a qualitative leap in specialized healthcare services and firmly position Egypt on the global medical tourism map. Through this collaboration, we aim to offer holistic healthcare services that elevate patient experience and align with international standards.' Mohamed El Araby, L'Oréal Egypt Managing Director, said: 'This agreement marks a pivotal moment in L'Oréal Egypt's ongoing commitment to healthcare transformation. We are proud to join forces with the Egypt Healthcare Authority—to expand access to high-quality dermatological care and support Egypt's vision. This partnership reflects our deep belief in the power of science, innovation, and collaboration to deliver inclusive health outcomes.' Sandrine Japhet-Sibboni, L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty General Manager, stated: "This collaboration is a profound embodiment of L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty's purpose: give everyone access to skin health. We are deeply committed to bringing our expertise, science and innovation to serve the diverse needs of Egyptian people, from supporting the nation's medical ambitions to providing compassionate, specialized care for oncology patients. It's about building a healthier, more confident future for everyone through both economic contribution and social responsibility." Under the agreement, a state-of-the-art dermatological care model will be introduced within the facilities of the Egyptian Healthcare Authority through the establishment of specialized clinics adhering to international standards. Designed to serve both local and international patients, these clinics will offer holistic support programs for oncology patients—combining access to expert dermatological care with psychological and social support—ultimately enhancing patients' quality of life throughout their treatment journey. Moreover, the agreement encompasses a long-term commitment to sustainable human capital development. This includes comprehensive professional training programs for healthcare providers, targeted public awareness campaigns, and robust support for dermatological research—ensuring responsiveness to local health priorities and contributing to the overall advancement of healthcare quality and system efficiency in Egypt. With a focus on sustainability and inclusion, L'Oréal Egypt works closely with public institutions, non-profits, healthcare institutions, and private-sector partners to build a resilient, future-ready model for dermatological care. Most recently, L'Oréal Egypt partnered with Baheya Foundation to launch "Fight with Care" program—an initiative under its renowned La Roche-Posay brand—to support women undergoing cancer treatment by addressing one of the most overlooked aspects of their journey: treatment-related skin side effects. The program also provides emotional support throughout the healing process