Geneva: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Housing Khaled Abdel Ghaffar recently engaged in discussions with Jose Manuel Barroso, the Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, along with several Gavi representatives. The talks focused on strategies for expanding vaccine manufacturing capabilities.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting occurred during the 78th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Health Ministry Spokesman Hossam Abdel Ghaffar stated that the discussions included exchanging views on implementing policies to promote vaccine manufacturing in Egypt as well as in other African nations.

The dialogue also addressed mechanisms to enhance vaccination services and primary healthcare. The spokesperson highlighted that the talks reviewed cooperation to strengthen expanded immunization programs and improve primary healthcare systems.

An agreement was reached to collaborate between Egypt and Gavi, aiming to ensure equitable access to vaccines throughout Africa and the Middle East and North Africa region. The meeting included the presence of Deputy Minister of Health and Population Amr Qandil, Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar, and Gavi's Senior Director for Programmatic and Strategic Engagement with the African Union/Africa, Richard Mihigo.