Dr. Abla Al Alfi, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting women’s health during post-reproductive years while participating in a global initiative focused on menopause and healthy aging.
The event was organized alongside the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, with the participation of the Spanish Ministry of Health, the Global Health Strategies Foundation, and Meno Global.
During her speech, Dr. Al Alfi explained that Egypt is increasingly adopting a comprehensive life-cycle approach to women’s healthcare. She emphasized that women’s health needs do not end after reproductive years but continue throughout every stage of life.
She noted that this evolving perspective is gradually opening the door for menopause and post-menopause issues to become an important part of national healthcare priorities in Egypt.
Dr. Al Alfi highlighted the growing awareness that middle-aged women experience significant physical, psychological, and social changes that are often overlooked within traditional healthcare systems. She also pointed to the increasing openness among women to discuss sleep disorders, emotional stress, and quality-of-life concerns during this transitional stage.
Referring to scientific evidence, she explained that the period before menopause can be associated with a higher risk of mood disorders and anxiety, stressing that these challenges should be addressed as public health and wellbeing issues rather than simply viewed as a natural part of aging.
The Deputy Minister added that Egypt already has a strong foundation through its major investments in primary healthcare, family health programs, and healthy aging initiatives. These developments provide an ideal platform for integrating menopause awareness and counseling services into existing healthcare programs.
She further explained that one of the ministry’s key goals over the next three to five years is to integrate structured counseling services for pre-menopause and post-menopause stages within primary healthcare systems. This approach aims to ensure women receive accurate information, safe spaces to ask questions, and access to the support they need.
Dr. Al Alfi stressed that the Ministry of Health and Population seeks to make menopause care an essential part of routine women’s healthcare services. The vision extends beyond symptom management to include mental health support, lifestyle guidance, family awareness, and evidence-based medical counseling.
She also emphasized the importance of training healthcare professionals to better understand the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of menopause. In addition, she highlighted the need to raise community awareness within families and workplaces, noting that social understanding and support can sometimes be just as important as medical treatment.
