Health Ministry: 10.5 million primary school students screened in presidential initiative

CAIRO – 17 April 2026: Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population announced that 10,556,000 primary school students have been screened as part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's initiative for the early detection of anemia, obesity, and stunted growth since its launch on October 5, 2025.

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive medical screenings for all primary school students—including both Egyptian nationals and non-Egyptian residents—across 29,000 public and private schools nationwide.

The program's services include measuring weight, height, and hemoglobin levels to detect malnutrition. In coordination with the Ministry of Education, the initiative also implements immediate mechanisms to improve student health outcomes.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, explained that the initiative reflects the state's commitment to student safety. He noted that students identified with health issues are immediately referred to health insurance clinics for further examination and free treatment. Each student is issued a follow-up card to ensure regular health monitoring.

Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, Chairman of the General Authority for Health Insurance, confirmed that services are provided comprehensively, with affected students receiving full treatment at health insurance clinics in all governorates at no cost.

Dr. Tamer Samir, coordinator of the presidential initiative, stated that more than 2,000 medical teams have been deployed. These teams are trained in the latest diagnostic protocols and infection control standards.

He emphasized a strict commitment to preventive measures, noting that screenings are conducted throughout the academic year to avoid overcrowding. Additionally, health education teams are raising awareness among students regarding wellness practices. The ministry has designated the hotlines 105 and 106 to handle public inquiries.

The Ministry of Health and Population reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a healthy generation equipped with the tools for prevention and early care, ensuring a better future for Egypt’s children.