The World Health Organisation has named Egypt the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to achieve the regional target for hepatitis B virus (HBV) control. In recognition, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has received an official certificate from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The milestone, described by health officials as a significant step at both the regional and international levels, was celebrated during a formal event held to mark Egypt's progress in combating the HBV. Minister Abdel Ghaffar said the achievement reflects Egypt's firm commitment to public health and its national strategy to reinforce health security and localise the production of medicines and vaccines. He noted that hepatitis B remains a serious global health challenge, and WHO has set an international goal to eliminate the disease by 2030. According to the minister, between 2008 and 2024, Egypt's preventive health programmes led to a 15 per cent decline in HBV prevalence among those under 60, compared to 2015 levels. Infection rates among children under ten halved during the same period, while prevalence among those under five fell below 1 per cent, based on national survey data. Abdel Ghaffar said Egypt's efforts included providing free HBV vaccinations to all newborns — regardless of nationality — with a birth dose administered within the first few hours of life. In addition, infants born to mothers carrying the virus receive HBV immunoglobulin to prevent infection. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
