Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population announced that the National Initiative for Women’s Health has successfully received 57,780,622 visits from women seeking screening and awareness services. This milestone reflects the continuous success of the initiative, which was launched in July 2019 under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to support the health and well-being of Egyptian women. The initiative is set to run until the end of February 2025.
Record Number of Visits to Support Women’s Health:
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry, revealed that the total number of visits includes 22,517,500 first-time visits, 22,769,790 periodic visits, and 12,493,331 occasional visits. This wide-reaching participation demonstrates the effectiveness of the initiative in providing critical health services to women across the country.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups, urging women to take advantage of the services offered by the initiative. “Early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer contribute significantly to reducing the burden on patients and the state by enabling timely and effective treatment, provided for free according to the latest global standards,” he said.
Advanced Screening and Comprehensive Services:
The initiative also saw 790,475 women visit hospitals for advanced diagnostic tests. The initiative offers its free services through 3,663 health units across Egypt’s governorates, with 102 hospitals participating in providing medical services for women in need of more advanced screening.
The official also highlighted that inquiries about the initiative can be made through the 100 Million Health Initiative’s hotline at 15335, ensuring easy access for women to information and services.
Global Breast Cancer Protocols and Treatment Centers:
The initiative follows the latest global breast cancer treatment protocols, which are implemented in 14 centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population. Additionally, these protocols are active in 14 centers associated with the Supreme Council of University Hospitals, all of which provide free treatment services.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar pointed out that the Ministry is working on preparing these centers for applied research in cancer treatment, aligning with the country’s vision for advanced research centers in oncology as part of the leadership’s broader commitment to public health.
Comprehensive Health Coverage for Women:
The initiative targets women starting from the age of 18 and provides screening for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, weight and height measurements, body mass index (BMI), and obesity or overweight levels. It also raises awareness about risk factors for non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, and family planning.
Over 31,000 Cases of Breast Cancer Detected:
Dr. Hatem Amin, Executive Director of the initiative, shared that 31,842 cases of breast cancer have been detected since the initiative’s inception. Additionally, 423,937 mammograms have been conducted, and 48,682 tumor samples have been collected for analysis. Free treatment is provided for confirmed cases, ensuring that women receive care at no cost.
Dr. Amin also reported that 109,615 women have been examined at primary care clinics using mobile units, and 48,682 women had their pathology samples analyzed. The initiative continues to track the treatment progress of these women, whether through the health insurance system or the state-funded treatment program.
Training and Capacity Building for Medical Teams:
To ensure high-quality service delivery, the initiative has provided training for 30,005 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, radiology technicians, and pathology experts. Additionally, 27,731 inquiries have been received about the initiative’s services, demonstrating the growing interest and participation in this vital health program.
Empowering Women Through Health Services:
The National Initiative for Women’s Health represents a significant step toward empowering Egyptian women through comprehensive healthcare services, particularly in early detection and prevention. With a focus on providing free screenings, raising awareness about health risks, and offering treatment in accordance with international protocols, the initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing women’s health across Egypt.
Through continued commitment and effective collaboration, the initiative ensures that more women across the nation receive the care they deserve, contributing to a healthier future for generations to come.
