CAIRO - 2 July 2025: A Ministry of Health and Population report revealed the success of the Egyptian vaccination system in combating epidemic diseases. The Expanded Program on Immunization began in Egypt in 1984, targeting six diseases, and has since expanded to 10.
The Ministry of Health and Population report stated, "Routine vaccinations are provided through more than 5,300 primary care units and medical centers across the country." It continued, "We can monitor the diseases targeted by vaccination and take the necessary preventive measures to prevent their spread."
For his part, Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health, said, "Cooperation is underway between the Preventive Medicine Sector, the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, and the Egyptian Drug Authority. This cooperation also provides vaccines and serums approved by the World Health Organization and in accordance with health and safety requirements."
Dr. Amr Kandil continued, "The coverage rate of routine childhood vaccinations has been maintained above 95% for all doses across health departments. Infection and mortality rates from vaccine-targeted diseases have also decreased due to the sustainability of vaccination programs, especially among children under five."
The Deputy Minister of Health and Population said, "Thanks to vaccinations, polio was eradicated and Egypt was declared polio-free in 2006. Neonatal tetanus was also eradicated in 2007, and measles and rubella were eliminated in 2022, making Egypt the fourth country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to be certified by the World Health Organization."
Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health, indicated that thanks to vaccinations, the WHO's 2025 targets for hepatitis B in children under five were achieved, making Egypt the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve the organization's targets for hepatitis B in children under five.
Medical teams in healthcare facilities have also been protected by maintaining high hepatitis B vaccination coverage rates above 90%. School vaccinations since 1992 have also contributed to preventing meningitis outbreaks (types A and C).
Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, stated that Egypt provides approximately 70 million doses of vaccines annually, noting that Egypt has recently achieved the requirements for combating hepatitis B. He continued, "Egypt is one of six countries that exchange vaccine manufacturing technologies."
Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, added that all children arriving in Egypt have been vaccinated with the required vaccines, noting that the national vaccination program has achieved coverage rates exceeding 95%.
He said, "We have a specific strategy for vaccine manufacturing in Egypt, and seven priorities for the Ministry of Health, most notably expanding health insurance, ensuring fairness and inclusion for all age groups, including those with chronic diseases and disabilities, expanding vaccination coverage for the entire population, enhancing monitoring of all health sectors, increasing and strengthening governance and leadership, strengthening the health system, and digitizing health care, all to promote innovation and foster communication among members of the same community by 2030."
Comments
Leave a Comment