Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, emphasized that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not merely a medical issue but a global crisis requiring a coordinated, multi-sectoral response. Speaking at the Second National Conference on Infection Control and Antimicrobial Resistance, held in cooperation with Sanofi and Eva Pharma, Abdel Ghaffar highlighted Egypt's proactive approach in tackling this challenge, noting that the country was among the first to launch a National Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in 2018. The minister commended the Preventive Medicine Sector at the ministry, alongside key partners, for their contributions to strengthening the health system. He warned that if urgent action is not taken, AMR could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, placing immense pressure on global healthcare systems. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Egypt advanced its efforts by launching the National Antimicrobial Control Plan in May 2023. This initiative established antimicrobial resistance control programs in at least one hospital per governorate, with a goal of including 80 hospitals by 2025. Infection control programs have also been reinforced nationwide, with all Ministry of Health-affiliated hospitals evaluated. The current compliance rate for infection control measures stands at 64.2%, with corrective actions planned for underperforming hospitals. During the conference, Ali Al-Ghamrawi, Head of the Egyptian Drug Authority, underscored Egypt's significant progress in the medical sector, affirming that the country is on a steady path toward expanding and improving healthcare services. He noted that the Egyptian pharmaceutical market, valued at EGP 308bn, is one of the largest in the region, with more than 12,000 pharmaceutical preparations available and total sales reaching 3.6 billion packages. Antimicrobials constitute 887 registered pharmaceutical products, with total sales of 376 million packages, accounting for 10% of total pharmaceutical market sales. Alarmingly, 55% of all antibiotic sales occur without a prescription, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and awareness campaigns to curb misuse and prevent further resistance. Egypt's efforts in antimicrobial resistance management reflect a broader national commitment to public health, pharmaceutical regulation, and sustainable healthcare development. The country continues to push forward with targeted strategies to mitigate the risks of drug-resistant infections and ensure the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.
