United Efforts

In the heart of North Sinai, a region long overshadowed by hardship, a story of transformation and hope is unfolding. For nearly a decade, children and families in this vulnerable region have struggled with limited access to basic services. But thanks to the support of development partners and the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Health and Population, things are beginning to change for the 450,000 people who call North Sinai home.

Strengthening Healthcare for Children and Families

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been a steadfast presence in North Sinai for many years and is the only international organization that has been implementing development and humanitarian interventions in the region. UNICEF works closely with the Government of Egypt and the Egyptian Red Crescent Society to provide essential health supplies, improve water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, and equip healthcare workers to better serve their communities. This is in line with UNICEF’s commitment to not just provide urgently required assistance to vulnerable children but also build resilience and sustainability of the community to face existing and future challenges.

Overcoming Challenges at Primary Healthcare Centres

Despite facing outdated equipment, limited resources, and increasing demands, the healthcare centres in North Sinai remain determined to serve their communities. The Atef El Sadat Primary Healthcare Centre in Arish, for example, cares for 12,000 people, providing a wide range of services, including maternal and child healthcare. Similarly, the centre in Kharba, Bir al-Abd, continues to be a vital resource for its community despite economic challenges. Behind these efforts are frontline healthcare workers, whose dedication is a testament to the power of human resolve. 

A key milestone came in 2023 when 45 midwives were trained to lead maternal healthcare efforts. These midwives now stand at the forefront of health care and services, ensuring safer pregnancies and healthier newborns.  
 
In addition, 45 Primary Healthcare Centres have introduced Early Childhood Development corners, designed to nurture the growth of young children. While issues like anemia remain, particularly among children and pregnant women, these programmes are providing critical support where it’s needed most. 

In the most remote areas of North Sinai, where healthcare access is nearly impossible, nine mobile health caravans supported by UNICEF and partners have become a lifeline. These caravans provide primary healthcare services—from consultations to vaccinations—offering hope to those who might otherwise go without care.

Supporting Palestinians receiving treatment in Egypt

Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, thousands of Palestinian nationals have been medically evacuated to Egypt, where they are getting treatment in multiple hospitals across the country, including North Sinai. Health centres like the Sabeel and EL-Itehad  in Arish, and El Kawthar in Sheikh Zuweid, offer lifesaving medical interventions, including care for injuries and medical conditions that are both life-threatening and life-altering.

To address these urgent needs, UNICEF, with the European Union (EU) and other development partners’ support, is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Population and the Egyptian Red Crescent to provide essential services. This includes medical supplies for hospitals, mobile health caravans for field hospitals in North Sinai, including those near the Gaza Strip border, accommodations for health workers, living supplies for family members accompanying the injured, and vaccinations for children. In total, over 12,000 children under five have received polio vaccinations, and around 3,000 children have been vaccinated for measles and rubella, showcasing a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. 

A Collaborative Effort to Build Resilience

Dr. Mutribjon Bahruddinov, a Health specialist at UNICEF Egypt emphasized the importance of partnerships in these efforts: “We are grateful for the support of our partners, including the European Union, whose contributions enable us to provide urgent support to vulnerable children, their caregivers and the medical evacuees in North Sinai. For example, the €5.4 million grant from the EU will enhance essential services, and build resilience in the governate and nearby areas, while also strengthening the capacity of health and social care professionals and fortifying the health system's response capacity to future crises.” 

The development journey in North Sinai is far from over, but the progress made so far serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, partnership, and perseverance.  

What’s happening here is not just a transformation of healthcare—it’s the rebuilding of hope for a community and its children, who have the right to survive and thrive to their full potential.