On September 30, 2024, Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) reaffirmed their commitment to advance Egypt’s universal health coverage (UHC) reform. Meeting in Paris, Dr Ghaffar joined AFD’s CEO, Mr Rémy Rioux, and Expertise France’s CEO, Mr Jérémie Pellet, to discuss strengthening collaboration in health and social protection for Egypt’s citizens.
Since 2018, AFD has provided significant support to Egypt’s UHC program, including €210 million in loans aimed at developing the necessary institutional capacity. This funding supports entities such as Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance Authority, which collects healthcare contributions, and the Egypt Healthcare Authority, managing public health services. Expertise France has also contributed by enhancing primary healthcare services through a dedicated €25 million loan, partially allocated by the World Bank.
The AFD and Egyptian leaders plan to continue expanding their cooperation. Focus areas include strengthening health workforce capacity, improving primary healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations, particularly in light of Egypt’s goal to provide nationwide UHC by 2032.
“More than 110 million Egyptians will benefit from the ambitious UHC program promoted by Egyptian authorities,” said Mr. Rioux. Dr. Ghaffar highlighted, “We are proud to offer healthcare access to over 6 million Egyptians, ensuring quality care and national solidarity with AFD’s ongoing support for our most vulnerable communities.”
