Egypt reviews Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer with WHO
CAIRO - 29 April 2025: Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar reviewed Tuesday with a delegation of the World Health Organization (WHO), updates on the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC).
The meeting focused on Egypt's eagerness for joining the GICC initiative and developing the sector of health. "The initiative, launched in 2018 in collaboration with St. Jude's Hospital, aimed to benefit patients and provide them with the latest treatment methods based on the highest international standards." Abdel Ghaffar added. " A national committee was formed in February 2024 to assess current pediatric oncology services", he also added. For his part, WHO Representative to Egypt Dr Nima Abid, praised the country's success in eliminating Hepatitis C and leading major health initiatives.
He also noted that these efforts reflect Egypt's strong commitment to achieving health-related sustainable development goals.
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Mada
a day ago
- Mada
Source: Al-Azhar grand imam withdrew call to save Gaza at foreign minister's request
Al-Azhar withdrew a Tuesday night statement in which it had called on 'active and influential forces' to stop Israel's genocidal war and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza. The following afternoon, it justified the withdrawal in a new statement from its media office in which it said it 'realized' the statement 'could affect the ongoing negotiations.' According to Al-Azhar, the decision to withdraw, which it called brave and responsible, came so the statement 'would not be used as an excuse to retreat from the negotiations or to bargain in them.' A source close to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed al-Tayeb told Mada Masr on condition of anonymity that Tayeb withdrew the statement after Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty urged him to do so, saying it may obstruct negotiations that are close to reaching a solution that would allow humanitarian aid to enter the besieged Gaza Strip. Palestinians in Gaza have been under an almost total siege since March. The recalled statement came amid increasing global calls to end the war and stop Israel's mass starvation of Palestinians, as the number of people dying from starvation and malnutrition rises. Ten people died from malnutrition-related causes in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Muneer al-Barsh. Tuesday's statement called on 'active and influential forces to do their utmost' to compel Israel to halt its systematic killing of Palestinians, 'immediately allow the entry of humanitarian and relief aid, and open all avenues for treating the sick and injured whose health conditions have deteriorated as a result of the Occupation's targeting of hospitals and medical facilities, in flagrant violation of all divine laws and international conventions.' It was removed from its pages hours later without comment until the following afternoon. The source explained that Tayeb made the decision to remove the statement in case doing so could expedite the entry of 'one bag of flour' to the people of Gaza in light of Abdel Atty's warnings that the ongoing negotiations would be 'ruined' by its publication, which came on behalf of the Egyptian and Qatari mediator according to the source. Last week, Doha was still hosting the first phase of a new round of negotiations that aims to reach an 'agreement of principles' that would serve as a basis for indirect ceasefire talks. At the same time, the United States, Qatar and Egypt presented both Palestinian factions and Israelis with an updated proposal for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. But negotiations have stalled over Hamas's demands for a guarantee that Israel will not resume its war, and over the extent to which the Israeli military will withdraw from areas its forces are occupying in the Gaza Strip. Even amid talks toward a negotiated ceasefire, Israel has established newly fortified areas while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared plans to concentrate most of the Palestinians in Gaza to a confined area, which he dubbed a 'humanitarian city,' near the border with Egypt and resume the war once the truce supported by the US and the mediators ends. The deleted statement said that 'thousands of children and innocent people are being killed in cold blood, while the ones who survive are facing death from hunger, thirst, dehydration, the depletion of medicine and the failure of medical centers to save them from certain death.' It also declared Al-Azhar's 'disavowal before God of this suspicious global silence, the shameful international failure to support these defenseless people, and of any call to displace the people of Gaza from their land, and anyone who accepts or responds to these calls.' The statement, covered widely by domestic press before its withdrawal, which led to some coverage being taken down, was not the first from Tayeb concerning the genocidal war on Gaza. Since October 7, he has expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, rejection of their displacement, criticism of the Israeli occupation and support for the Palestinian resistance on multiple occasions. This rhetoric does not always align with the official government discourse. Abdel Atty had contacted Tayeb on a previous occasion to change the wording of one of these statements, in parallel with a similar request which came at the time from a 'sovereign body,' according to the source. Al-Azhar's deleted statement comes as humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip deteriorate, amid an increase in the number of deaths from hunger and malnutrition as a result of Israel's starvation policies. Israel has been preventing the entry of humanitarian aid for months, blocking the regular aid entry and distribution mechanisms, while Israeli forces open fire on a daily basis at the people who approach the aid distribution centers designated by Israel. Thirty Western countries called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza on Monday, saying that the suffering of Palestinians has 'reached new depths.' The joint statement condemned 'the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food,' noting that 'over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid.' The group also condemned Netanyahu's plans to displace the population to a 'humanitarian city' as a violation of international humanitarian law. For its part, Hamas pointed yesterday to 'the extent of blackmail practiced by the Occupation through its committing of massacres in a desperate attempt to extract positions it has been unable to impose at the negotiating table.'
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
INTERVIEW: Nothing in medicine as cost effective as vaccination - Professor Jaime Fergie - Health - Life & Style
In an interview with Ahram Online, Professor Jaime Fergie, Director of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at Driscoll Children's Hospital, USA, expressed his concern about the rebound of several infectious diseases. Speaking to Ahram Online during his visit to Cairo, Professor Fergie pointed out that many people around the world are vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections as they did not receive their routine vaccinations during the pandemic. AhramOnline (AO): What is the purpose of your visit to Egypt, and what are the main themes you'll be discussing with Egyptian paediatricians? Jaime Fergie: I'm here to speak with colleagues about the importance of using the newer pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to protect children from both invasive and mucosal pneumococcal infections. The US introduced the first conjugate PCV in 2000, starting with a vaccine that covered seven strains. We've since progressed to broader vaccines covering 13, and now 20 of the most relevant pneumococcal types. The aim is to expand protection for both children and adults. AO: Do PCV types vary between high-income and low-to middle-income countries? JF: There are slight regional differences, but overall, the top 20 types included in the newer vaccines cover the most important strains globally. AO: How has paediatric infectious disease evolved, especially post-pandemic? JF: During the pandemic, infections like RSV, flu, and pneumococcus dropped due to social distancing. Post-pandemic, we've seen a sharp rebound. A major concern is the number of children who have missed routine vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable. We're still working to catch up. AO: What are the main challenges in diagnosing infectious diseases in children compared to adults? JF: Young children often can't describe symptoms, so we rely on caregivers. Early symptoms—such as fever, fatigue, and poor appetite—can appear similar across various infections. Differentiating between viruses and bacterial infections can be tricky. Additionally, children's conditions can deteriorate rapidly, making early intervention and prevention through vaccination crucial. Vaccination remains the most cost-effective tool in paediatrics. AO: Why is it important to vaccinate children with cancer? JF: Ideally, children should be vaccinated before any cancer diagnosis. But even during early treatment stages, vaccination remains vital. Cancer weakens the immune system, making infections more dangerous. Pneumococcal infections, in particular, can lead to severe outcomes such as meningitis and pneumonia. Therefore, protection is critical. AO: What other high-risk groups face threats from infectious diseases? JF: Children with HIV, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, or no spleen are at high risk. Similarly, those with cochlear implants, kidney disease, or asthma. These children are more vulnerable to severe infections. The best approach is to include vaccines like the PCV in national immunisation programmes. I've seen firsthand how vaccination has reduced the incidence of serious diseases such as meningitis and pneumonia in the US. AO: What is the best paediatric immunisation strategy for low-and middle-income countries? JF: The WHO recommends key vaccines for all national programmes, including those for rotavirus, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles. Pneumococcal vaccines are also essential. Recently, vaccines for RSV have been introduced, given to pregnant women to protect newborns. While some vaccines, such as meningococcal, are less common globally, they're vital in specific settings, such as during pilgrimage travel. Immunisation should ideally start at two months of age. Financial barriers can be addressed by working with the WHO and organisations like Gavi, which help low-income countries access vaccines. AO: What would you say to people still sceptical about vaccines? JF: It's frustrating, considering how far we've come in preventing disease. Vaccines go through rigorous testing before being approved. While mild side effects like fever or soreness are possible, vaccines prevent illnesses we no longer see thanks to immunisation. The evidence for safety and effectiveness is overwhelming. AO: Finally, what's your message to parents, paediatricians, and policymakers? JF: To parents: Vaccines are safe, effective, and life-saving. I vaccinated my children and want the same protection for all. To paediatricians: Use the best tools available—the latest vaccines offer broader protection. To policymakers: You hold the power to improve children's health. Prioritising vaccination saves lives and is one of the wisest investments a country can make. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Bullets instead of aid in Gaza - World - Al-Ahram Weekly
As Israel continues its siege of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian residents are being shot by Israeli Occupation Forces as they queue for food Starving Palestinians in Gaza are now experiencing severe malnutrition and are sharing advice on how to battle the effects of prolonged hunger as the Strip runs out of food. 'To avoid the widespread dizziness and headaches that everyone is suffering from, take some salt to compensate for sodium deficiency,' Fathi Sabbah, a Palestinian from Gaza, wrote on his Facebook page this week. Without food, people are experiencing faintness, severe fatigue, and muscle spasms, he explained. After imposing a blanket ban on the entry of food, water, medicine, and fuel into Gaza since 2 March, the Israeli government is now openly starving the enclave's population of two million people. Reports of mass fainting in the streets as famine sets in have signaled the beginning of a new stage in Israel's genocide in Gaza, where intentional famine is being documented and livestreamed for the world to see. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN children's agency UNICEF, and other agencies, 470,000 people in Gaza are now in IPC Phase 5 (catastrophic hunger), the worst category. The entire population is enduring acute food insecurity across Gaza, with nearly one in every three people going without food for days at a time, according to the WFP. 'People are already starving, sick, and dying, while food and medicines are minutes away across the border,' said WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The situation, he added, is 'one of the world's worst hunger crises' unfolding in real time. Israel's blockade has triggered a collapse of food production and distribution and health services. Flour mills and bakeries have been heavily damaged or destroyed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), Gaza's largest wheat mill was bombed earlier in the war, and many bakeries cannot produce bread from whatever scarce flour reaches Gaza. Water access has plummeted, with survivors reporting receiving as little as two to five litres per person per day, only a fraction of the UN's minimum standards. Over 80 per cent of households lack safe water, and sanitation systems are almost non‑existent, with one toilet for every 2,200 people in some shelters, making disease outbreaks inevitable. Cases of respiratory infections, skin diseases, suspected meningitis, scabies, and hepatitis have all surged, amplified by malnutrition and overcrowding. Palestinian survivors paint a picture of daily torment. Videos, photographs, and testimonies of starving people have all flooded social media for months, with live updates of Israeli's apocalyptic actions against the besieged population. One mother speaking to Refugees International, a NGO, recounted feeding her children 'mouldy bread,' while others say they queue for hours only to leave empty‑handed, with nothing but water and tears. 'I don't know how our dreams changed and ended up as just a loaf of bread,' Omar Hamad, a pharmacist from Gaza, wrote on X earlier this week. In response to international pressure, the US State Department launched the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in February, aiming to deliver food via a privately run joint Israeli operation starting on 26 May and bypassing UN-led systems. Its funding is approximately $140 million per month, and it claims to have delivered 75 million meals. But GHF has become one of the most controversial ingredients in Israel's Gaza starvation crisis. During its brief operations, over 615 deaths were recorded by the UN Office for (OHCHR) at or near GHF distribution sites, primarily in Israeli-designated military zones in southern Gaza, as of early July. At least 70 per cent of aid-related fatalities have been traced to GHF sites, which survivors describe as 'death traps' for aid seekers. These include deaths in stampedes and shootings. On 16 July, 20 Palestinians died by crushing or stabbing at a GHF site in Khan Yunis, with earlier incidents seeing over 400 people killed during chaotic aid distributions. The daily shooting of aid seekers by mercenaries and the IOF were cited by witnesses. Ahmed Abu Sido, a Palestinian in Gaza, described his near-death experience while attempting to procure food in the Zikim Crossing distribution point in the south of the Strip. 'Hunger was the only reason that compelled me and my siblings to go there. We were unable to stand on our own two feet,' he wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday. Abu Sido said that '99 per cent' of the crowds that went to Zikim were 'dizzy' owing to the lack of food but had had to walk a total of ten km to the aid centre and back in the scorching heat. The moment word spread that the aid trucks had arrived, the shooting began. 'Everyone ducked down, and I heard the whistle of bullets flying next to my head. A 20-year-old barefoot girl next to me broke down in tears and started screaming, 'I don't want to die, take me home!'' Later, he saw an aid truck that typically delivers flour carrying a Palestinian man who had been killed. Both his hands and feet were tied. 'He was headless,' Abu Sido wrote. Abu Sido saw the body of a 12-year-old boy lying on a carriage pulled by a donkey. His mother and sisters were crying as they hugged the lifeless body. 'He told them to wait while he went to get some flour because it was too dangerous. He was starving when he was martyred and never even got the flour,' Abu Sido said. 'I decided to return home after choosing my life over a bag of flour,' he wrote. 'I cursed the centre and humanity, and I said to myself that my life is more precious.' In what has been described as Gaza's deadliest aid‑seeking incident, IOF troops opened fire on crowds queuing near the Zikim Crossing on 20 July, killing between 67 and 93 Palestinians waiting for UN aid trucks. Among the dead were dozens of children. Some reports say 71 children have already perished due to hunger and a lack of medical care. The WFP condemned the violence, saying its convoy was targeted. Health officials say hundreds more were wounded, and the death toll from aid‑related casualties in recent months is now believed to exceed 875 people. The scenes underscore growing desperation: massive crowds, collapsing order, and lethal force met without safe humanitarian structures. Reports from eyewitnesses and humanitarian agencies recount heaps of injured people and survivors, saying that the aid distributions resembled military operations more than relief. The sites are fenced and guarded by private security and Israeli troops. Palestinians must pass through screenings and identity checks in scenes likened to checkpoints, fueling desperation and fear. GHF relies on private security contractors, often US-based firms, to manage logistics and crowd control, raising serious concern over the safety of aid seekers. The UN, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, Oxfam, and over 170 other NGOs have condemned the GHF, citing violations of neutrality, impartiality, and safety. Doctors Without Borders described GHF distributions as 'slaughter masquerading as aid.' Investigations by the UK channel Sky News found that many distributions were announced less than 30 minutes in advance, often via last-minute Facebook posts. Locations were inaccurate or in combat zones and supplies frequently ran out within nine minutes of opening, it said. Some distribution centres are 10 to 20 km away from major population centres, forcing refugees to walk through militarised zones to reach them. Only the strongest make it. UN aid coordinators have refused to work with the GHF, accusing Israel of using the organisation to politicise humanitarian assistance and sideline established UN‑led systems. Israel has banned main UN humanitarian agencies like the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA that have been supplying Gaza with essential aid for decades from operating in the Strip. 'There is no case since World War II of starvation that has been so minutely designed and controlled,' UK famine expert Alex de Waal said. This is entirely man-made starvation, he told the Qatari news channel Aljazeera, 'and every stage has been predicted, and action could have been taken by Israel and the international community to prevent what is happening. Those steps haven't been taken.' Groups including Swiss NGO TRIAL International warn that the GHF leadership may be criminally liable for aiding war crimes or crimes against humanity, especially if sites were used to force population displacement southward. Human rights attorneys highlight the pattern of luring starving civilians into zones where they become targets under the guise of aid. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called GHF operations 'an abomination' and a 'death trap costing more lives than it saves.' International humanitarian agencies have repeatedly called for Israel to open all border crossings and allow UN-led agencies to deliver aid based on need, not political alignment, and to declare a ceasefire to enable safe distribution and further the prevent collapse of Gaza's basic services. They have also called for suspending GHF operations pending independent investigation to ensure adherence to humanitarian principles. UN experts have been raising the alarm over the spread of famine in Gaza since July last year. 'With the death of the first child from malnutrition… it becomes irrefutable that famine has taken hold,' the experts said in a statement a year ago following the death of two children from hunger and malnutrition in June 2024. 'We declare that Israel's intentional and targeted starvation campaign… has resulted in famine across all of Gaza.' * A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
