Egypt Expands Social Safety Net: ‘Duyufna’ Initiative to Provide Family, Child Care for Refugees, Expats

CAIRO - 3 February 2026: The Ministry of Health and Population launched the "Duyufna" (Our Guests) initiative Monday to extend the state’s comprehensive family and child healthcare umbrella to non-Egyptians living within its borders.

The initiative specifically targets those displaced by conflict and humanitarian crises.

The announcement came during an event celebrating the Day of Family and Peace, attended by high-ranking officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, and Dr. Nima Abid, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Egypt.

The Science of the "First 1,000 Days"

Addressing a crowd of policymakers and mental health experts, Dr. Abla Al-Alfy, Deputy Minister of Health for Population and Family Development, shifted the focus from symbolic celebration to scientific urgency. She highlighted that a staggering 85% of human potential is developed between pregnancy and a child’s second birthday.

“This is a stage where the child is defenseless," Dr. Al-Alfy noted. "The memories of these early years—whether defined by a mother’s tenderness or an environment of violence—leave an indelible mark on a person’s character and society’s future."

By investing in this critical window, the Egyptian state aims to break cycles of trauma and neglect, replacing them with proactive protection and healthy psychological development.

From Egyptian Homes to Regional Solidarity

The “Duyufna” initiative is the natural evolution of Egypt’s domestic family-building programs. Over the last several years, the Ministry has rolled out advanced models for family empowerment, including:

 - Mandatory Pre-marital Screenings: Ensuring healthy beginnings for new families.

 - Women’s Clubs and Early Childhood Programs: Providing localized support networks.

 - Positive Parenting Counseling: Working with the National Council for Population to eliminate violence and neglect.

By extending these services to "guests"—refugees and expatriates—Egypt is positioning the family unit as the ultimate defense against the psychological scars of war and displacement.

The initiative reflects a strategic belief that community stability is inseparable from human compassion. By treating the children of "guests" with the same clinical and psychological rigor as Egyptian citizens, the state is fostering a culture of social cohesion.