Cairo: The Ministry of Health and Population took part in the 13th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users, which took place in Cape Town from October 13-17. The conference attracted a wide array of participants, including public health experts, care providers, and policymakers from various countries.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the conference focused on key areas such as harm reduction related to drug use, improving the health and well-being of individuals recovering from addiction, and strengthening international cooperation. The event aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange and advocacy for effective practices and policies, in an effort to unify global efforts in this critical field.

Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the spokesperson for the Ministry, highlighted the participation of a delegation from the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment in a high-level meeting during the conference. This meeting centered on enhancing access to harm reduction services and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments across Africa, emphasizing the need for robust policy frameworks and market approaches to ensure the equitable distribution of these essential services.

Ayman Abbas, Head of the Central Administration of the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, stated that the sessions addressed the challenges African countries face in delivering harm reduction services. They also presented practical and comprehensive regional solutions to expand the scope of these services, ensure their sustainability, and maximize benefits for targeted populations.

Abbas further mentioned that the conference resulted in an executive brief containing actionable and practical recommendations aimed at bolstering the development and expansion of harm reduction services, as well as enhancing access to treatment and care. These efforts are designed to improve regional integration and international cooperation in the field of mental health and addiction treatment.