In a significant policy advancement, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, has announced dual rollout of initiatives bridging climate action and public health concerns. The initiatives – the National One Health Executive Plan 2024-2027 and the Strategic Framework for Health Adaptation to Climate Change 2024-2030 – represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the growing challenges at the intersection of environmental and health sectors.
In a strategic move to address the intersection of climate change and public health, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, participated in the launch of two pivotal initiatives aimed at safeguarding both human health and the planet: the National One Health Executive Plan 2024-2027 and the Strategic Framework for Health Adaptation to Climate Change 2024-2030. The event, held under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, also saw the participation of key governmental figures, including Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, and Dr. Ali Abu Sena, Executive Director of the Environmental Affairs Agency.
This announcement is a major milestone in Egypt’s environmental strategy, building upon the principles of One Health—a concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. While the framework officially launches these initiatives, it is also a continuation of Egypt’s leadership in global environmental discussions, particularly following its pivotal role during the COP27 climate summit.
Dr. Fouad’s remarks at the event underscored the need to look at health through a holistic lens. “One Health is about safeguarding the health of the planet we inhabit. This means reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and ensuring their sustainable use to meet future needs—all while addressing urgent global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss,” she stated. Her words reflect Egypt’s growing recognition of the need to combat these issues concurrently, especially after the country’s COP14 leadership on biodiversity in 2018.
A key theme emerging from Dr. Fouad’s address was the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister highlighted how the disease’s zoonotic origins—where viruses jump from animals to humans—highlighted the fragility of our health systems and ecosystems. In response, Egypt is reshaping its environmental strategies with proactive measures aimed at preventing future crises, particularly by focusing on resource conservation and pollution reduction.
The Ministry’s efforts also extend to Egypt’s natural heritage, with the government introducing national programs to conserve key species used in medicinal and pharmaceutical products. One example Dr. Fouad cited was a shift in how local communities in St. Catherine, traditionally relying on plants for fuel, now view these plants as a source of livelihood—an approach that integrates environmental preservation with sustainable development.
The challenges posed by rising global temperatures are also a focal point of Egypt’s climate adaptation plans. Dr. Fouad discussed how increased heat is not only driving the spread of infectious diseases but is also exacerbating desertification, threatening food security, and affecting ocean acidity, which harms marine ecosystems. These insights emphasize the growing need for integrated health and climate strategies, especially in regions like Egypt, which faces acute environmental stress.
In line with these initiatives, Egypt’s “One Health” approach is gaining traction. The concept, introduced in Egypt in 2008, became a global priority after the COVID-19 pandemic, and Egypt is now among the first countries to officially implement the One Health framework in 2023. Dr. Fouad pointed out the government’s efforts to reduce air pollution, highlighting a 50% reduction in certain particulate matter, as well as the active engagement of the private sector in Egypt’s “Our Health from Our Planet’s Health” initiative, which encourages environmentally friendly practices through public campaigns and competitions.
Preserving biodiversity is another key focus, with the government working to protect species both inside and outside protected areas. The launch of the ICAN (Nutrition and Climate Change) initiative during COP27, as well as Egypt’s role in shaping climate and environmental policies across the Arab and African regions, showcases the country’s growing influence on the global environmental stage.
As Dr. Fouad concluded, Egypt is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future by preparing the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan across all sectors, integrating climate risk assessments, and mapping the expected impacts of climate change through to 2100. With these initiatives, Egypt is positioning itself as a leader in the integration of climate, health, and development strategies, ensuring a resilient and healthy future for its people and the planet.
Egypt’s formal launch of the National One Health Strategic Framework 2023-2027, developed in collaboration with the WHO and FAO, sets a clear roadmap for the country’s continued efforts to address the intertwined challenges of public health and environmental sustainability.
