Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, underscored the importance of investing in youth, health, and education as pillars of Egypt’s future during a youth diplomacy forum in Cairo. Speaking to around 160 young participants, he outlined major developments in Egypt’s healthcare sector.
At the fourth edition of the Youth Diplomacy Programme, held at the Olympic Centre in Maadi, Abdel Ghaffar joined Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy in addressing the event. The health minister noted that Egypt's health budget had risen from EGP 42.4 billion in 2014 to EGP 406.47 billion in 2025. Over the past 12 years, more than one trillion pounds have been invested in upgrading infrastructure, medical equipment, and nationwide health initiatives.
He highlighted the presidential initiative to eliminate surgical waiting lists, which has led to approximately 3.8 million operations, and state-funded treatments provided to 23.46 million citizens. Egypt's universal health insurance system now covers more than 12 million people. The country has successfully eradicated diseases such as hepatitis C, malaria, polio, and rubella, positioning its public health experience as an international model. Egypt's fertility rate has also declined to 2.4 births per woman.
On Egypt's international role, Abdel Ghaffar pointed to 'health diplomacy' efforts, including training medical personnel from other countries, sending medical convoys to African nations, and offering medical aid to Palestinians. The session ended with an open dialogue between the minister and youth participants on health, education, and human development. Sobhy emphasized the programme's role in equipping young people with skills to represent Egypt on the global stage.