Finance Minister Mohamed Maait, who also chairs the General Authority for Comprehensive Health Insurance, has reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to bolstering the financial resilience of health systems across Africa. This initiative seeks to enhance the delivery of enduring health services to the populace, acknowledging the pivotal role of private sector investment in the fight against diseases and epidemics. Minister Maait has offered to share Egypt's insights on adopting a universal health insurance model with other African nations, aiming to provide all-inclusive healthcare while safeguarding families against the dual threats of health crises and financial burdens, all at a minimal cost and optimal efficiency. In discussions with John Nkengasong, Director-General of the Africa CDC, Maait conveyed that, despite economic adversities, Egypt is dedicated to establishing a robust health insurance framework, progressively expanding its reach throughout the country. The focus is on financial viability, enhancing the system's capacity to offer complete health coverage for all citizens. The Minister underscored the integral role of the private sector in the success of the national health insurance scheme. The government's goal is to boost private medical sector involvement from 30% to 50% in the provision of health insurance services, fostering competition and ensuring high-quality care for all insured individuals. Minister Maait voiced Egypt's backing for the Africa CDC's initiative to establish a continental platform for discourse on innovative health sector financing mechanisms. This forum will convene African finance and health ministers, private sector leaders, and domain experts. He pledged the Finance Ministry's technical support to the Africa CDC in its mission to serve the continent effectively. Furthermore, Maait indicated the ministry's willingness to assist in shaping the foundational framework for the African Epidemic Fund, leveraging Egypt's position in the African Union's Committee of Fifteen Finance Ministers (F15). Africa CDC Director-General Nkengasong expressed eagerness to leverage Egypt's comprehensive health insurance experience to fortify African health systems and mitigate disease-related risks. "We look forward to maximizing the benefits of the Egyptian experience in comprehensive health insurance to develop African health systems and reduce the risks arising from diseases and epidemics. This is part of mobilizing efforts at the continental level to strengthen African health systems," Nkengasong stated. He commended Minister Maait's dedication to securing vital funding for Egypt's health sector.
