Cairo: Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Rania el-Mashat, emphasized the significance of the country's integrated vaccination system, highlighting it as one of the top national health projects designed to protect children from birth to 18 months.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the vaccination system plays a crucial role by ensuring that approximately 2 million newborns receive routine immunizations each year. This is achieved through a unified national schedule that distributes nearly 40 million doses annually across a network of about 5,000 health offices and units throughout the nation.
Minister el-Mashat's remarks were made during her participation in the fourth Arab Government Excellence Award ceremony, which took place at the Arab League headquarters. The event was held under the patronage of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. During the ceremony, the minister congratulated the Health Ministry for the successful implementation of the vaccination system, which demonstrates institutional cooperation and the state's efforts to enhance health services and improve citizens' quality of life.
In the 2025 edition of the awards, Egypt received five accolades, including Best Arab Initiative for Government Development for the vaccination system's information infrastructure and Best Arab Infrastructure Project for the South Valley (Toshka) Development Project. Other awards included Best Arab Governor, which was awarded to Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber Khalil, Best Arab Community Development Initiative for Cairo's Al-Asmarat District, and Best Arab Female Government Employee, awarded to Lamia Mostafa of Alexandria's Drinking Water Company.
Minister el-Mashat highlighted her ministry's contributions through the Egyptian Planning System's Information Infrastructure Center, which played a central role in establishing a health-sector data infrastructure. This includes creating a unified national platform that links all service offices with other government bodies and integrates birth and death databases.
The vaccination system aids in identifying development gaps, rationalizing spending, and directing investment to priority areas. Additionally, the Ministry has enhanced analytical capacity and decision-support reporting to improve health planning, disease prevention, and reduce morbidity and mortality rates.
El-Mashat underscored the project's importance as an advanced model for applying data infrastructure in healthcare. This model ensures fair and efficient service delivery and supports decision-making, particularly during crises.