Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity, led by Minister Dr. Maya Morsy, has delivered a series of free medical and awareness outreach caravans across several alternative housing projects for families relocated from formerly informal or unsafe areas.
The initiative, which ran from May through July 2025, brought healthcare and health education services to six major communities: Ahalina, Ma’an, Rawdat Al-Sayyida, Hadayek October, Ard Al-Khayala, and Al-Mahrousa. These areas represent part of Egypt’s broader urban renewal strategy, aimed at replacing informal settlements with dignified, sustainable housing.
Free, Multi-Specialty Healthcare in Underserved Communities
The outreach caravans offered a wide range of medical specialties, including ophthalmology, internal medicine, ENT, dermatology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and gynecology and obstetrics, all provided free of charge. Medical staff and mobile clinics were mobilized in partnership with several civil society organizations to ensure broad access and professional quality of care.
In addition to direct medical services, the caravans delivered health education and awareness seminars covering topics such as:
- Substance abuse prevention and addiction awareness (in partnership with the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction)
- Reproductive health education (with support from the Egyptian Family Planning Association)
- Early breast cancer detection and self-examination techniques (led by Baheya Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness)
Public Health with a Social Protection Lens
The Ministry emphasized that the caravans were not limited to clinical care, but part of a broader social protection agenda designed to reduce burdens on low-income families and foster long-term well-being through preventive care and community education.
A total of 2,532 residents—men, women, and children—benefited from the caravans. This effort reflects a growing synergy between government institutions and civil society organizations, as Egypt builds more inclusive healthcare delivery systems in tandem with its urban transformation.
Civil Society: A Backbone of Delivery
Several key non-governmental organizations played vital roles in the success of the program:
- Isma’ouna Foundation: Provided doctors, medications, and surgical referrals
- Sabaa Sanabel Foundation: Managed logistical and technical support
- Ra’ei Masr Foundation: Deployed mobile health units, notably in Rawdat Al-Sayyida
- Baheya Foundation: Delivered breast cancer awareness sessions for women
- Egyptian Family Planning Association: Conducted workshops on reproductive health and family planning
The caravans also served as a model for integrating healthcare delivery with civic engagement, bridging gaps in access and equity, particularly in newly relocated communities still adjusting to formal infrastructure.
