Egypt’s Prime Minister Highlights Unity in Health Security Amid Ebola Outbreak

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister of Egypt, delivered a speech today on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during a high-level virtual meeting attended by African heads of state and government, focusing on the Ebola outbreak.

In his opening remarks, Madbouly conveyed President El-Sisi’s greetings and solidarity with his African counterparts, expressing appreciation for the leadership of Burundi in organizing this important meeting at such a critical time.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Egypt’s deep solidarity with affected African nations, commending the significant efforts of healthcare workers and frontline responders who bear heavy burdens under extraordinary and challenging circumstances.

He emphasized that the Ebola outbreak highlights the indivisible nature of health security in Africa, necessitating a unified African response led by the countries themselves, in close collaboration with national health authorities, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the World Health Organization.

In this context, Madbouly called for intensified efforts on three main levels: first, enhancing cross-border coordination among African nations while implementing necessary preventive measures, particularly during public gatherings and major events; second, continuing the African Union and Africa CDC’s leadership in an effective continental response; and third, stressing the need for international support to bolster the continental preparedness and response plan against the outbreak.

The Prime Minister also outlined Egypt’s swift contributions to containing the disease, revealing that Egypt has sent three tons of medical supplies, including medications and intravenous solutions, along with stocks of Remdesivir to affected countries. Additionally, preparations are underway to dispatch another ten tons of specialized pharmaceutical shipments.

Furthermore, he noted that plans are currently being made to send a specialized shipment weighing 30 tons to Africa CDC.

Madbouly assured that Egypt is ready to share technical expertise in areas such as preparedness and prevention, strengthening epidemiological surveillance systems, supporting vaccine and drug manufacturing efforts, as well as diagnostic tools. He stressed that achieving health sovereignty for the African continent has become an urgent necessity.

In conclusion, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly welcomed the joint preparedness and response plan valued at $518 million, urging all partners to translate their commitments into actionable support.