
Egypt's Health Min., GAVI chairman talk expanding vaccine manufacturing
CAIRO - 22 May 2025: Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, met with Mr. José Manuel Barroso, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI), and a number of GAVI representatives, to discuss implementing mechanisms that contribute to expanding vaccine manufacturing.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, said in a statement released by the ministry that the meeting aimed to exchange ideas and visions on implementing policies that would expand the promotion of vaccine manufacturing in Egypt and African countries, as well as to discuss mechanisms for expanding vaccination and primary healthcare services.
He added that the two sides discussed cooperation to enhance expanded immunization programs, as well as exchanging ideas to improve primary healthcare systems. They also agreed to cooperate between Egypt and Gavi to ensure equitable access to vaccinations in Africa and the Middle East and North Africa region.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health and Population; Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (Gavi); and Dr. Richard Mihigo, Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement with the African Union and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
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Egypt Independent
10 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
FM reviews efforts to export Egyptian medicines to African markets
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a meeting with Dr. Hisham Steet, Head of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and the Management of Technology, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two sides to support the export of Egyptian medicines and medical supplies to African markets. Minister Abdelatty expressed his appreciation for the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migration and the authority, praising the effective coordination that has been achieved in supporting the state's efforts to deepen health cooperation with African countries. He affirmed the Ministry's aspiration to continue this constructive collaboration, which contributes to enhancing the accessibility of Egyptian pharmaceuticals to African Minister also extended his congratulations to Dr. Hisham Steet on the success of the fourth edition of the Africa Health ExCon conference and exhibition, which was held from June 24 to 27 under the auspices of the President of the Republic. He commended the level of cooperation and integration between various government entities and the private sector, which was reflected in the professional organization and broad participation from African countries and international organizations. Minister Abdelatty reviewed the Ministry's efforts to boost the penetration of Egyptian pharmaceutical exports into African markets through active engagement at both bilateral and multilateral levels to open new horizons for Egyptian pharmaceutical products across the continent. He pointed to the national strategy formulated during the meetings of the Permanent Committee for Egyptian-African Relations, which aims to raise the value of Egyptian pharmaceutical exports to $5 billion by 2030. The meeting also discussed the Authority's aspiration to enhance Egypt's role in the African procurement mechanism and its efforts to position Egypt as a regional hub for African collective procurement, in support of Egypt's pivotal role in the continent's healthcare system. The discussion further touched on the potential to promote medical tourism to Egypt as a high-value area of cooperation that complements the state's efforts to provide a comprehensive healthcare model serving African brothers and sisters. At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue close coordination and to follow up on the implementation of agreed-upon strategic priorities aimed at maximizing opportunities for Egyptian pharmaceuticals in Africa and reinforcing Egypt's leadership in health security across the continent.


Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
No respite for Gaza - World - Al-Ahram Weekly
Despite growing speculation over an imminent ceasefire backed by Trump, Israel pressed ahead with a new wave of military escalation in the Gaza Strip As of Sunday Israel began issuing new evacuation orders and intensifying airstrikes. Thousands of Palestinians fled eastern Gaza City after the Israeli Army warned of a broad and imminent offensive in the area. Warnings posted on social media announced that military operations would escalate and advance westward into Gaza City's centre. Residents in several densely populated neighbourhoods were instructed to evacuate to Al-Mawasi, a congested coastal suburb in southern Gaza overwhelmed by overcrowding and a severe lack of basic services. Intensive airstrikes and gunfire hit homes, schools, markets, and tents sheltering displaced people. At least 28 Palestinians were killed and 223 injured on Monday, including 10 in Zeitoun neighbourhood east of Gaza City, with hundreds believed to be trapped under the rubble, health authorities reported. As the bombardment intensifies, Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens. In the besieged enclave, childhood is no longer marked by milestones but by the daily fight for survival. Even searching for food can prove fatal. According to Palestinian medical sources, more than 66 children have died of malnutrition and starvation. Only 17 of Gaza's 36 hospitals remain partially functional, and none are operational in northern Gaza or Rafah, in the far south. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an average of 112 children are admitted to hospitals in Gaza on a daily basis for treatment of moderate to severe malnutrition. The alarming surge, the agency said, is directly linked to the prolonged Israeli blockade and the breakdown of humanitarian access since the beginning of 2025. As scenes of mass civilian casualties continue to come out of Gaza, diplomatic momentum is once again building in Cairo, where renewed efforts are underway to broker a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. US President Donald Trump called on both Hamas and Israel to 'make the deal in Gaza' and demanded the immediate return of the hostages, in a post published on Truth Social early Sunday. However, Palestinians remain deeply skeptical about the feasibility of such an agreement ending the 20-month-long war that has left 75 per cent of Gaza in ruins. President Trump's remarks come amid renewed engagement by both Egyptian and Qatari officials working to revive a multi-phase deal that would include a ceasefire, a hostage exchange, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The revived framework, backed by Washington, is being reintroduced as regional and international mediators race against time to achieve a compromise that would please both Israel and Hamas. Building on those diplomatic efforts, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has put forward a new ceasefire proposal, calling for a 60-day truce tied to the release of Israeli hostages and the expedited flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. He described the initiative, in televised comments, as a vital entry point to a broader and more permanent resolution to the conflict. Abdelatty emphasised the importance of solid international guarantees, particularly with US support, to ensure the ceasefire is respected and prevent renewed violence. 'We are working towards a durable solution and a permanent ceasefire,' he said. Abdelatty also reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians and called for an immediate end to the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. Cairo, he added, remains prepared to host further international discussions aimed at rebuilding Gaza and shaping its post-war future. Meanwhile, US Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Cairo in the next few days for what sources described as a crucial round of negotiations. The planned visit announced last week is part of ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire and finalise a long-stalled agreement for the release of the hostages held in Gaza. In a coordinated regional drive, Doha has intensified its engagement with key mediators ahead of the upcoming negotiations. Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said Qatar is actively working with both Egypt and the United States, urging all parties to build on the current diplomatic momentum. According to Israeli sources, the latest US-backed proposal, presented to Israel by Witkoff, calls for the immediate launch of a 60-day ceasefire. During the first week of the truce, Hamas would release 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others in two separate phases. Israeli officials estimate that, of the 58 hostages still believed to be in Gaza, about 20 are alive, while the remaining 38 are presumed dead. During the two-month truce, mediators would work to secure a broader agreement to bring the war to a complete end. Should the parties agree on a framework to end hostilities, the deal would pave the way for the release of all remaining hostages, both alive and dead. According to details shared by Israeli sources, the proposal outlines a phased redeployment of Israeli forces in parallel with the hostage releases. On the first day of the ceasefire, following the handover of the initial group of hostages, the Israeli military would begin repositioning in northern Gaza and along the Netzarim Corridor, in line with pre-agreed humanitarian access routes. A second redeployment would take place around day 7, after the next group of hostages is released, this time focusing on southern Gaza. Final troop positions, the sources said, are expected to be determined during the course of the negotiations, with technical teams from all sides coordinating the mapping and movement plans. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his government has agreed to the general outline of the latest ceasefire and hostage-release framework put forward by Witkoff. His statement marks a rare public alignment with the ongoing mediation efforts as diplomatic momentum appears to be building ahead of Witkoff's visit to Cairo. For its part, Hamas has shown cautious openness to Witkoff's revised ceasefire proposal but stopped short of accepting it. In a statement on its official website, the group said it remains open to dialogue with mediators over any plan that guarantees a lasting ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal under international supervision, the unimpeded delivery of aid, reconstruction, and a meaningful prisoner swap. In a related statement, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said on Sunday that ceasefire negotiations remain stalled due to Israel's insistence on continuing the war. He stressed that a ceasefire and withdrawal are non-negotiable conditions, and warned that Hamas would reject any proposal that undermines the resistance or includes calls for its disarmament. Palestinian-American mediator Bishara Bahbah has emerged as a key player in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations taking place in Cairo. According to reports dated 26-28 June, Bahbah has been in close contact with Hamas representatives as well as Witkoff, helping to bridge the gaps between parties. Sources say two of the three major sticking points have now been resolved, with Bahbah emphasising that negotiators are focused on finalising the language of the deal, which would include a phased hostage release, a sustained ceasefire, and a US-guaranteed mechanism for humanitarian access. Palestinian political analyst Akram Atallah told Al-Ahram Weekly that Hamas is facing a tough dilemma: the movement could have accepted the current ceasefire proposal several months ago, potentially to spare Palestinians further destruction, famine and a mounting daily death toll: 'We see signs of hesitation and confusion within Hamas, but the pressure on the movement is immense. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, and Hamas almost has no other option left. People need peace, food, and medicine.' Asked whether the current diplomatic push could prove fruitful, Atallah said that all parties involved have a strong interest in ending the fighting. Hamas, he noted, is under immense pressure – people are hungry, sick, and exhausted – while Israel has so far failed to achieve its key objectives, particularly the recovery of hostages held by Hamas, through military force. 'Everyone seems hopeful,' he said, 'but it ultimately depends on what Israel really wants.' Over the course of 20 months, at least 56,531 Palestinians have been killed and 133,642 injured by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip as of 7 October, 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. * A version of this article appears in print in the 3 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Launches National Food, Nutrition Plan, Roadmap to Combat Anemia
Ahmed Emam Egypt has officially launched its National Operational Plan for Food and Nutrition Systems 2025–2030, alongside a new Roadmap to Accelerate Anemia Reduction, in a major step aimed at improving the health and well-being of millions of Egyptians and bolstering the country's human development agenda. The launch event, held in Cairo, was attended by high-level government officials, development partners, and representatives of the United Nations, underscoring the country's multisectoral commitment to transforming its food and nutrition landscape. In her remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator praised the Egyptian government's 'deep and sustained commitment' to placing food security and nutrition at the heart of its national development strategies. The UN official commended Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, for his leadership and recognized the collaborative efforts of multiple ministries in shaping the newly launched plans. 'Transforming food systems and improving nutrition outcomes cannot be the responsibility of one institution or sector alone—it is a shared national endeavor where cross-sectoral cooperation will yield greater impacts,' the Resident Coordinator emphasized. The newly launched National Operational Plan builds upon several recent initiatives, including the National Food and Nutrition Strategy (2022–2030), the Stunting and Malnutrition Prevention Programme, the National Flour Fortification Programme, the Takaful and Karama social protection programs, the First 1000 Days initiative, regulations governing the marketing of breastmilk substitutes, and the accreditation of health facilities as baby-friendly. Meanwhile, the Roadmap to Accelerate Anemia Reduction aims to improve the health of pregnant women and children, with anticipated benefits for children's educational performance. Highlighting the economic rationale behind the plan, the UN official noted that every US\$1 invested in reducing anemia in women could generate up to US\$12 in economic returns. Egypt has also been lauded for aligning its food systems transformation with climate action, promoting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable local food production, reducing food loss and waste, and enhancing rural livelihoods and value chains. These steps position Egypt as a regional leader in food systems innovation and resilience. The United Nations outlined four critical enablers essential for the successful implementation of Egypt's new plans: - Strong multisectoral coordination mechanisms - Robust accountability and monitoring frameworks - Investment in data systems and evidence-based decision-making - Sustainable financing and capacity development The UN pledged continued support to Egypt through technical expertise, policy guidance, institutional strengthening, and knowledge exchange. 'We are standing today at a pivotal juncture—one where vision and commitment must now translate into coordinated action, sustained results, and collective accountability,' the Resident Coordinator concluded. 'Let us keep building this success together, hand in hand, to nourish every child, empower every woman, and ensure that Egypt's food systems are not only resilient and productive, but truly transformative.' read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence"