CAIRO, June 23 (MENA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said Egypt places high importance on forging robust strategic partnerships with African nations, built on mutual trust, reciprocal benefits and knowledge exchange, especially in the healthcare sector, as part of its broader effort to establish inclusive and sustainable health systems.

The minister made these remarks during a preparatory meeting held on the sidelines of Egypt’s hosting of the Regional Steering Committee (ReSCO) and the Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC), both affiliated with the North Africa Regional Coordination Center (RCC), operating under the umbrella of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The meeting is part of ongoing dialogue and the exchange of ideas aimed at advancing healthy communities in the African continent.

At the beginning of his address, Abdel Ghaffar extended Egypt’s warm welcome, on behalf of its leadership and people, to all participating delegations, expressing appreciation for the dedicated efforts of Africa CDC and its organizing teams.

The minister affirmed that the meeting serves as a clear reflection of the continent’s rich cultural diversity.

Abdel Ghaffar added that genuine partnerships are built not merely on signed agreements, but on deep understanding, mutual respect, and meaningful human connection.

He urged participants to seize the opportunity presented by this gathering to enhance knowledge exchange and explore Africa’s cultural diversity, and hence building trust and strengthening cooperation among nations.

Abdel Ghaffar said that Africa’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity, coupled with its wide range of lifestyles, provides a source of inspiration for fostering deeper, more empathetic professional partnerships.

He called for adopting a mutual learning approach as a means to strengthen continental ties and promote genuine, long-lasting cooperation.

The minister also encouraged participants to engage actively in the proceedings of the ReSCO, especially regarding the election of capable and forward-thinking leaders for the upcoming term.

He stressed that all perspectives are valued and should be approached with mutual respect and a shared vision that binds Egypt and its African partners in their pursuit of sustainable health development.

For his part, Assistant Minister of Health Mohamed Hassani highlighted the pivotal role played by the ReTAC as a key technical body supporting the RCC in formulating regional public health strategies, establishing priorities, and steering their implementation.

It also facilitates the implementation of Africa CDC’s strategic plan and coordinates responses to emerging health threats and challenges, said the assistant health minister.

Hassani explained that the committee offers technical and operational guidance, coordinates regional responses and partnerships, reviews ongoing projects, identifies appropriate partners, and assesses reports and policy proposals to ensure alignment with Africa CDC’s priorities.

He added that the committee comprises representatives from member states, whether from health ministries, national public health institutes, or their equivalents, as well as representatives from AU bodies, regional economic communities, academia, civil society, the animal health and environmental sectors, and the private sector.

This diversity renders the committee a comprehensive platform capable of shaping the continent’s public health agenda in multiple interconnected dimension, according to him. (MENA)

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