Egypt’s Health Initiatives Against Breast Cancer and Hepatitis C Set Global Standard

A session during the conference.

The Ministry of Health and Population participated in high-level discussions at the Africa Health ExCon 2026 conference and exhibition, attended by experts, decision-makers, representatives from international organizations, and the private sector.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the ministry’s spokesperson, highlighted Egypt’s involvement in two significant sessions: one titled “Eliminating Viral Hepatitis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Achievements and Challenges,” organized by the World Health Organization, and another titled “Breast Cancer in Africa: From National Success to Continental Expansion.”.

Dr. Mohamed Hassany, Assistant Minister of Health for Public Health Initiatives, presented Egypt’s pioneering experience as the first country globally to achieve gold-level status in eliminating Hepatitis C according to WHO standards.

He explained that Egypt’s success relied on integrating screening and treatment services within the national healthcare system, developing advanced digital monitoring systems, and enhancing local funding to ensure sustainability, resulting in significant health and economic returns.

Regarding breast cancer control, Hassany noted that delays in diagnosis and limited access to services remain major causes of high mortality rates in Africa. He emphasized that Egypt’s experience has proven the success of a national model based on early detection, comprehensive treatment pathways, and data-driven planning, particularly through the President’s initiative to support women’s health.

He called for transforming Egypt’s successes into a scalable African model through technical expertise exchange, joint training programs, standardizing treatment protocols, and enhancing electronic referral systems. He urged for a unified African vision for combating breast cancer with clear measurable goals and effective monitoring mechanisms.

Hassany affirmed that Egypt’s experience has become a regional and international benchmark, bolstering collective efforts towards achieving universal health coverage and enhancing health security across Africa.