Cairo: The Ministry of Health and Population announced that 10,556,000 primary school students have been screened as part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s initiative for the early detection of anemia, obesity, and stunted growth since its launch on October 5, 2025. The initiative targets comprehensive medical screenings for primary school students, encompassing both Egyptian nationals and non-Egyptian residents, across 29,000 public and private schools nationwide.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the program’s services include measuring weight, height, and hemoglobin levels to detect malnutrition. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the initiative enacts immediate mechanisms to improve student health outcomes. Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, highlighted that the initiative underscores the state’s commitment to student safety. Students identified with health issues are promptly referred to health insurance clinics for further examination and free treatment, with each student receiving a follow-up card for regular health monitoring.
Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, Chairman of the General Authority for Health Insurance, confirmed that services are provided comprehensively, ensuring that affected students receive full treatment at health insurance clinics across all governorates at no cost. Dr. Tamer Samir, coordinator of the presidential initiative, stated that over 2,000 medical teams have been deployed, trained in the latest diagnostic protocols and infection control standards.
The initiative maintains a strict adherence to preventive measures, with screenings conducted throughout the academic year to prevent overcrowding. Health education teams are actively working to raise awareness among students about wellness practices. The ministry has designated hotlines 105 and 106 to manage public inquiries, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a healthy generation equipped with preventive tools and early care, aiming for a better future for Egypt’s children.