Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population convened an important meeting of the Scientific Committee of the National Committee for Mental Health of Children and Adolescents. The gathering aimed to review the final report on youth mental health and assess the progress of current initiatives. The session also provided a platform for discussing how various ministries and organizations can work together more effectively to support mental health efforts.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to establish specialized working groups made up of university professors and Ministry of Health experts. These groups will provide scientific solutions to address the pressing challenges surrounding children and adolescents’ mental health in Egypt.
Tackling the Growing Concern of Addiction
Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, highlighted one of the most critical concerns facing young people today: addiction to social media and online games. He stressed that these behaviors have far-reaching detrimental effects on youth, who make up a significant portion of Egyptian society.
The initiative targets early detection and prevention, with a focus on schools, primary care units, and recreational clubs. Additionally, a national electronic platform for mental health and addiction treatment, along with services offered by the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment (GSMHAT), is available to assist those affected by electronic game addiction. For further support, individuals can access counseling services through the GSMHAT hotline (16328) or their online platform (https://mentalhealth.mohp.gov.eg/mental/web/ar).
Raising Awareness and Educating Adolescents
The initiative places a significant emphasis on raising awareness among adolescents about the dangers of excessive internet use, particularly the impact of social media and video games. It aims to educate young people about the psychological and physical consequences of addiction while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to improve treatment standards by training healthcare professionals to better diagnose and manage internet addiction.
Menan Abdel-Maksoud, Secretary-General of GSMHAT, underscored the presidential initiative’s view of addiction as a national security issue. The “Against Addiction” campaign is designed to offer integrated services that address the social and health damages caused by addiction.
A Comprehensive, Collaborative Approach
Abdel-Maksoud further emphasized that addiction is recognized as a disease with identifiable causes and solutions. The initiative takes a holistic approach, which includes prevention, early detection, intervention, and treatment services. Rehabilitation efforts are also in place to help individuals reintegrate into society successfully.
