Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, chaired an expanded coordination meeting to implement an awareness campaign in preparation for launching a nationwide campaign aimed at preserving Egypt’s achievements in remaining free of measles and rubella through preventive doses. The campaign, held under the slogan, “Ma3an Ne7mi Atfalna w Ne7afez 3ala Mogtama3 Akthar Se7a w Aman,” will take place in October 2026, coinciding with the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, to ensure that all children and school students are reached.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the ministry’s official spokesperson, explained that representatives from several ministries, government agencies, religious and community institutions, and international organizations will participate in the campaign. It will target approximately 21 million children, both Egyptian and non-Egyptian, aged 9 months to 10 years, as part of the state’s efforts to protect children, prevent infectious diseases, and promote community health.
He added that the Deputy Minister stressed the need to coordinate efforts to ensure the campaign’s success, provide preventive vaccines to targeted children wherever they are, increase vaccination coverage rates, raise families’ awareness of the importance of vaccination, and promptly address any challenges. The meeting discussed the implementation plan, service delivery locations, mechanisms for reaching children in schools, nurseries, fixed and mobile sites, as well as training, awareness, community and media outreach, monitoring, and evaluation plans. It was also agreed to strengthen coordination with public, private, and international educational institutions, Al-Azhar institutes, nurseries, care homes, youth centers, and community organizations to ensure that all children are reached without discrimination.
Dr. Rady Hamad, Head of the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Sector, stressed the importance of unifying media and awareness messages, strengthening communication with parents and caregivers, and addressing inaccurate information and rumors. He emphasized that vaccination is safe and free of charge and is the most effective means of preventing measles and rubella and their complications, as well as limiting the spread of infection. The meeting also agreed to designate points of contact from all participating entities, exchange data promptly, continue coordination meetings, and intensify support in areas requiring additional interventions.
The campaign will be supported by the Primary Care and Curative Medicine sectors, the Health Insurance Authority, the Universal Health Insurance Authority, the State Information Service, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization, along with the Ministry of Education, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and the ministries of Awqaf, Youth and Sports, Social Solidarity, Foreign Affairs, Local Development, and Environment. The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, National Council for Women, Council of Churches of Egypt, Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, Egyptian Red Crescent, as well as health and media organizations and international partners, will also participate in supporting the campaign.
Source: Akhbar El Youm News Portal
