Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and GAVI CEO Sania Nishtar discussed enhancing health sector cooperation on vaccine distribution and manufacturing. They aimed to ensure equitable access to vaccines in Africa while boosting local production capabilities, especially for vulnerable populations. The meeting highlighted Egypt’s progress and strategic importance in regional health security.
On Wednesday, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, met with Sania Nishtar, CEO of GAVI, and Richard Mihigo from the African Union. The discussion aimed to enhance cooperation in Egypt’s health sector, focusing on vaccine distribution and manufacturing on the continent.
Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, emphasized the meeting’s role in addressing sustainable vaccine supply and boosting local manufacturing in Africa. The initiative aims to ensure equitable vaccine access to all demographics, aided significantly by GAVI’s support in ongoing vaccination programs.
Abdel Ghaffar noted Egypt’s progress in vaccination and disease control, reaffirming the government’s pledge to provide vaccines to vulnerable populations, especially children. He indicated that collaboration with GAVI is essential for sustained vaccine supply and improving health infrastructure, which is integral to Egypt’s health strategy aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.
During the dialogue, Nishtar congratulated Egypt for hosting the second forum on vaccine and medical preparation manufacturing. She praised the advancements in health services and vaccination efforts in the country, highlighting the importance of local vaccine production capabilities for regional health security. Nishtar recognized Egypt’s strategic location as pivotal for vaccine distribution across Africa.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen public health initiatives in Egypt and broader Africa, particularly in the context of vaccine access and manufacturing. GAVI, an international organization dedicated to increasing equitable access to vaccines, plays a crucial role in these initiatives. With the global emphasis on health security and pandemic preparedness, improving local manufacturing capabilities is increasingly critical for self-sufficiency in vaccine supply. Additionally, the focus on equitable access is key to addressing health disparities across different demographic groups in Africa. The partnership between Egypt and GAVI illustrates a larger trend in international health collaborations aimed at enhancing resilience in healthcare systems throughout the continent.
The engagement between Egypt’s health officials and GAVI underscores a strategic commitment to transforming the health sector through improved vaccine access and local manufacturing. This collaboration not only aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure in Egypt but also acts as a model for similar efforts across Africa. Strengthening these initiatives is vital for achieving broader health goals and ensuring that vulnerable populations gain timely access to immunization.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
