Cairo:Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly has reviewed a report from the Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar regarding the renewal of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Gold Tier certification for the elimination of hepatitis C.
According to State Information Service Egypt, this achievement was made possible through the coordination among various state sectors under the leadership and full support of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The presidential support facilitated the integration of preventive and curative efforts, providing the necessary resources for screening and treatment programs. These measures have significantly bolstered the healthcare system's capacity to combat hepatitis C and improved public health indicators.
The Health Ministry has maintained its commitment to national disease combat efforts and preserving health gains. The ministry's strategy to eliminate hepatitis C is part of the presidential "100 Million Health" initiative, aiming to reduce infection and mortality rates while maintaining effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services. The renewed WHO certification was presented by the Director-General on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, hosted by Egypt.
Egypt's efforts against hepatitis C have been ongoing since 2008 when the infection rate was among the highest in the world, affecting 10% of the population. By mobilizing resources and maintaining commitment, the country achieved this international milestone in less than two decades. The presidential initiative launched in 2018 screened nearly 63 million people and completed treatment for four million patients, meeting WHO standards for blood safety and injection safety.
The report emphasized Egypt's continued ambition with the Hepatitis Control Sustainability Plan, marking it as the first country to develop such a plan. The country also achieved 100% compliance with injection safety practices and maintained high standards in diagnostic services. Key factors contributing to this success include political commitment, data-based planning, public awareness, healthcare infrastructure, domestic pharmaceutical production, and collective action.