In alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for healthcare and based on the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing medical services for Egyptian citizens, the Ministry of Health and Population, in strategic partnership with global healthcare company Viatris marked a groundbreaking presidential initiative for mental health: “Your Health is Happiness”. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population and Viatris Egypt to promote mental health awareness, early diagnosis, and access to treatment. Dr. Mohamed Hassany, Assistant Minister of Health and Population for Public Health Initiatives, and Dr. Mohamed Adel Sweilem, Cluster Head of Viatris Egypt and North Africa, signed the MOU. This agreement comes within the framework of Egypt’s Vision 2030 to enhance healthcare and the increasing focus on mental health. The new initiative aims to enhance mental health awareness, facilitate early detection of mental health conditions, and ensure equitable access to timely treatment for all Egyptians, including women, men, and adolescents.
The launch ceremony for the presidential mental health initiative, held at Abdeen Palace attended by eminent leaders from the Egyptian healthcare system, includingHis Excellency Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, and Ms. Hero Mustafa, US Ambassador to Egypt as well ashealthcare officials, ambassadors and representatives from the public and private sector. Their presence underscored the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing mental health challenges.
During the ceremony, it was announced that the Mental Health Presidential Initiative, also referred to as the “Your Health is Happiness” (Sehetak Saada), will encompass a wide range of activities, including but not limited to public awareness campaignsthrough various channels, including social media and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers through advanced training programs to improve diagnose ofmental health conditions and provide effective treatment.
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, emphasized that the initiative encompasses several key axes aimed at meeting the needs of various segments of the population. This includes early detection and intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder to enable children and their families to receive early diagnosis and necessary care. The ministry is also collaborating with the United States to analyze magnetic resonance imaging for the early diagnosis of autism in Egypt. Other axes include combating and treating addiction in all its forms, including drug and electronic game addiction, providing psychological support for pregnant women, chronic disease patients, cancer patients, and senior citizens. The initiative also covers the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar indicated that the Ministry of Health and Population has taken practical steps. Twenty-two health centers in Cairo Governorate have already been trained on the axes of this initiative as part of the first phase, and the second phase will include specialized training for advanced care, according to a World Health Organization training program aimed at enhancing the skills of caregivers in providing support to families of children with developmental disorders or delays.
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar explained that integrating mental health services into primary healthcare centers significantly contributes to achieving prevention and early treatment, reducing the burden on specialized hospitals and citizens, and ensuring that individuals receive support and treatment at an early stage, enhancing their quality of life.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that the Minister indicated that the goals of the “Your Health Happiness” initiative are based on Egypt’s Vision 2030, which seeks to improve the quality of life of Egyptian citizens and enhance their standard of living in various aspects. The main axis of Egypt’s vision is for all Egyptians to enjoy a healthy, safe, and secure life through a comprehensive, accessible, high-quality healthcare system capable of improving health conditions through early intervention, preventive coverage, and ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups. This will lead to prosperity, well-being, and happiness, as well as social and economic development, enabling Egypt to become a leader in the field of healthcare services and research in the Arab world and Africa.
In her speech, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, expressed her honor at participating in this important event, which comes in direct response to the vision of the President to enhance the well-being of Egyptians at all stages of their lives. It embodies the state’s commitment to achieving psychological and social security for all its citizens, emphasizing that the Egyptian state keeps pace with the latest international trends in its social and development policies.
For her part, Ms. Hero Mustafa, the US Ambassador to Egypt, said: “As we look to the future, we’re optimistic about the progress that can be achieved in healthcare when we come together in partnership. The United States is committed to supporting Egypt in its goals, learning from Egypt and its experiences, and expanding mental healthcare services, breaking down the barriers to care, and creating a culture of support and understanding.”
Furthermore, Ayman Mokhtar, Regional President MENA & EURASIA at Viatris, declared: “Viatris is proud to join this collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population. We share a common vision to prioritize both the mental and physical wellbeing of our community members. Through this collaboration, we will raise awareness, provide resources, and empower healthcare professionals to deliver appropriate care to individuals living with mental health disorders.”
Mohamed Sweilam, Cluster Head Egypt & North Africa Viatris, said: “Viatris aims to be a trusted partner, providing value across the healthcare value chain, to achieve Egypt healthcare vision 2030. This collaboration is highly meaningful to Viatris’ team in Egypt as it reinforces our individual and collective mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life – a passion that remains a driving force for the future.”
From his side, Dr. Islam Annan, CEO of Accsight Research, affirmed that this initiative embodies the state’s focus on supporting the mental health of Egyptian citizens and improving the overall mental health of the population, confirming that mental health plays a crucial role in preventing numerous diseases.
Viatris Egypt is dedicated to improving patient care and supporting healthcare providers with solutions for the management of non-communicable diseases and their burden on patients. Viatris prioritizes accessible healthcare, education, and sustainable growth initiatives. Viatris is committed to working to improve health outcomes and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s long-term development.
In conclusion, mental health is a cornerstone of a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future. By prioritizing mental well-being, we can positively impact the lives of Egyptian citizens. Also, strategic investments in mental health can yield substantial benefits for individuals, communities, and countries. By prioritizing mental health initiatives, societies can foster a more inclusive, resilient, and productive environment.
The Ministry of Health and Population launches the presidential initiative to support mental health, ‘Your Health is Happiness
