Geneva: On the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Lebanese Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassereddine to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting focused on reinforcing ties between Egypt and Lebanon, with a particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in hospital management, medical training, disease control, primary healthcare, and emergency services. Abdel Ghaffar underscored Egypt's longstanding support for Lebanon and its commitment to assisting the Lebanese people in overcoming ongoing health and humanitarian challenges.

The dialogue also covered Lebanon's interest in leveraging Egypt's experience with the universal health insurance system. Both ministers agreed on the need for a Lebanese health delegation to visit Egypt to exchange technical and administrative expertise. Discussions further included Egypt's recent medical and humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, such as shipments of medicines and medical supplies following the Beirut port explosion and during subsequent crises.

The meeting highlighted the outcomes of the March 2026 emergency meeting of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, which approved US$200,000 in urgent support for Lebanon's health sector. The Lebanese minister expressed gratitude for Egypt's ongoing support, and both sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination to enhance regional health security and improve preparedness for future crises and emergencies.