For Healthier and Resilient Generations

Transformative initiatives are steadily taking shape in Egypt’s healthcare system driven by the strong leadership of the Government of Egypt and strengthened through collaboration with various stakeholders, development partners and local communities. UNICEF has played a key role in supporting these initiatives working closely with the government and partners to improve Egypt’s public health infrastructure, ensuring that children and families across Egypt have access to quality healthcare.

With over US$ 2.4 million financial support from the Government of Canada, UNICEF has been able to extend its reach, particularly through the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) and improvements in medical waste management systems under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Population. This has not only impacted the lives of thousands of children, their families and healthcare workers, but also significantly contributed to building a stronger, more resilient healthcare systems across Egypt.

The EPI: a Safety Umbrella for Every Child in Egypt

In Egypt, the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) has been a cornerstone in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. With a national vaccination coverage of over 95 per cent, the cost-effective EPI has been instrumental in controlling diseases that once threatened children’s lives. It’s  life-saving impact, can be seen in communities nationwide.

The EPI: a Safety Umbrella for Every Child in Egypt

In Egypt, the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) has been a cornerstone in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. With a national vaccination coverage of over 95 per cent, the cost-effective EPI has been instrumental in controlling diseases that once threatened children’s lives. It’s  life-saving impact, can be seen in communities nationwide.

Thanks to Canada’s  generous support, UNICEF has been able to continue providing life-saving vaccines to children across Egypt.  In 2024, this support extended beyond providing just vaccine doses to include freezers to ensure vaccines are stored at the correct temperatures. These resources and measures are part of a broader effort to maintain the integrity of the cold chain system, which is essential for effective immunization programmes.

The evidence of transformative changes becomes clear when you hear testimonials from those directly impacted by these initiatives. One such heartwarming story comes from  a grandmother who brought her six-month-old grandson, Younis, for vaccination at a Primary Healthcare Unit (PHU) in Alexandria, North of Egypt.

Reflecting on her own childhood, she recalls a time when many children were vulnerable to diseases that are now preventable through vaccines. Holding Younis in her arms, she marveled at the progress  made in public health. Her story highlights the generational shift in healthcare, where today’s children are growing up healthier and more resilient, thanks to the expanded access to vaccinations.

On the same day, a mother arrived with her six-month-old daughter, Yara, for her vaccination. Despite being exhausted from her daily routine, she was determined not to miss the appointment. “I was too tired today,” she says, “but I insisted on coming to get her vaccinated on time. It’s a serious matter.” Her determination is part of a larger story of how mothers and caregivers in Egypt today are increasingly aware of the critical role vaccines play in protecting their children from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, mumps, measles, rubella, and polio. This awareness is a testament to the continuous efforts of the Ministry of Health and Population, supported by UNICEF and partners, in raising awareness of the importance, availability, and safety of vaccines.

Healthcare workers: The backbone of success behind EPI

The frontline health workers, like Islam, a vaccination supervisor at Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, play a critical role in ensuring the success of the EPI. Islam was one of many healthcare workers who received training on the Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) using an online application in 2024 through support from the Government of Canada. The training equipped Islam and his colleagues with the skills to maintain a high-quality cold chain system, essential for the safe storage and transportation of vaccines.

“EVM (Effective Vaccine Management) is an assessment tool to guide us on the right way to have effective vaccination programme with high-quality cold chain system including transportation of vaccines,” Islam explains, “it includes the use of an EVM2 application to evaluate our cold chain system. The application shows me any problem in detail so I can understand the direct cause and deal with it.”

The second version of the EVM application (EVM2), introduced during the training, allows supervisors like Islam to monitor the cold chain system in real time, identifying and addressing any issues promptly. 

Medical Waste management: Timely and Critical Support

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the growing concerns over hazardous waste, UNICEF, with support from the Canadian Government, took significant steps to enhance the Ministry of Health and Population’s medical waste management system, ensuring a healthier and safer environment in Egypt.

In 2024, UNICEF procured 22 specialized trucks – 11 large and 11 small – designed for the safe transportation of hazardous medical waste. Additionally, two high-capacity medical waste shredders were also established, one at Abassya Fever Hospital in Cairo, which specializes in infectious disease treatment, and another in Qena, a governorate in Upper Egypt with a population of over 3.7 million. These shredders, each with a capacity of 1,500 liters, are essential for reducing the risks associated with hazardous medical waste.

UNICEF also developed a sophisticated digital system to track, manage and monitor the safe disposal of over 40,000 tons of medical waste annually. This system enhances the efficiency and safety of medical waste management, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and public health hazards.

Building on Success

As these initiatives continue to evolve, the future of Egypt’s healthcare system looks brighter. However, sustaining high vaccination rates, strengthening cold chain infrastructure, and expanding medical waste management will require continued investment and collaboration. The commitment of parents, the dedication of healthcare workers, and the support of international partners like Canada continues to make a difference and safeguarding the health of future generations and ensuring that children in Egypt survive, thrive, and grow to their full potential.