In a landmark ceremony underscoring Egypt’s ongoing healthcare transformation, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, led the national celebration of the second anniversary of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s initiative for early cancer detection and treatment. The event, held under the campaign slogan “Safe from the beginning ” (Min Badri Aman), was a tribute to the profound impact of the “100 Million Healthy Lives” initiative, launched to combat one of the nation’s most critical health threats—cancer.
Presidential Health Initiatives Reshape Egypt’s Public Health Landscape
In his keynote address, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that the initiative is a pillar in Egypt’s comprehensive strategy to empower citizens through better health and proactive disease prevention. “What began as presidential health campaigns have evolved into a sustainable and preventative healthcare ecosystem,” he noted. “These programs have transformed from temporary outreach into a permanent public health infrastructure.”
One of the most notable successes highlighted was the Presidential Initiative for Women’s Health, which reduced late-stage cancer diagnoses from 70% to just 20%, thanks to rigorous nationwide screenings and digital assessments. Over 11 million electronic surveys have been conducted across all Egyptian governorates, offering early diagnosis and intervention opportunities.
“Safe from the Start” Targets Five Major Cancers
The “Safe from the Start” campaign specifically addresses five of the most prevalent types of cancer: breast, lung, colon, prostate, and cervical. With a robust focus on early detection, the campaign delivers comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, raising community awareness and improving patient outcomes. The most recent activation, held from June 14 to 19, targeted five governorates—Dakahlia, Gharbia, Sharqia, Kafr El-Sheikh, and Menoufia—garnering praise for its efficiency and reach.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar lauded the tireless efforts of medical teams, civil society organizations, and public health professionals in executing the campaign. “The path to defeating cancer demands unwavering coordination, community engagement, and evidence-based intervention,” he asserted.
Integration of AI, Global Protocols, and Primary Care Upgrades
Dr. Ahmed Al-Sobky, Chair of the General Authority for Healthcare and Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, commended the initiative as a model of smart investment in human capital. He cited Egypt’s adoption of cutting-edge cancer treatment protocols and the integration of artificial intelligence to personalize patient care as key achievements. These steps, he argued, have positioned Egypt as a regional leader in health system innovation.
Dr. Ahmed Taha, President of the Egyptian Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation Authority, further noted the emphasis on quality assurance and infrastructure upgrades. “Our goal is to ensure safe, effective, and dignified screening and treatment for every citizen,” he said, referencing ongoing efforts to equip primary care centers with enhanced infection control, proper ventilation, and sterilization protocols.
WHO Endorsement and Continued Global Cooperation
The event also saw the participation of Dr. Naeema Al Gasseer, the World Health Organization’s representative in Egypt, who commended Egypt’s “unwavering commitment to public health advancement.” She praised the campaign as a “national triumph that reinforces regional leadership in health security and disease prevention.”
Dr. Al Gasseer reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to providing technical and logistical support to Egypt’s Ministry of Health, aiming to align the nation’s health strategies with global best practices and to enhance population-wide health outcomes.
Recognition of Local Health Leadership
As the event concluded, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar honored local health directors from the five governorates where the campaign was rolled out, recognizing their exceptional leadership and community engagement. These officials were instrumental in mobilizing healthcare resources, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering public awareness during the intensive campaign week.
