🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
Egypt's Ministry of Health screens over 21.2 million citizens for chronic diseases
via Egypt Today2 min read
Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population announced that 21,259,093 citizens have been screened through the Presidential Initiative for the Screening and Treatment of Chronic Diseases and Early Detection of Kidney Disease since its launch in September 2021. Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the ministry's official spokesperson, stated that the initiative operates through 3,601 primary healthcare units across all governorates. The program targets individuals over 40 years old and those aged 18 and above with a medical history of chronic conditions. Services include blood pressure measurements, glucose tests, blood lipid levels, kidney function tests, and Body Mass Index calculations. The initiative also provides awareness sessions and follow-up programs. Patients diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes receive free monthly medication, and cases requiring specialized intervention are referred to hospitals for state-funded treatment. The program follows scientific guidelines developed by a joint committee from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, with ongoing training for medical staff. Citizens with hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of these conditions are encouraged to utilize these free services for early detection and prevention of complications.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Egypt's Ministry of Health announced on Friday that there are no confirmed hantavirus cases in the country, emphasizing continuous epidemiological surveillance in coordination with national and international authorities. The ministry stated that Egypt's health situation remains "stable and fully safe." This statement follows a World Health Organization WHO report of two laboratory-confirmed and five suspected hantavirus cases, including three deaths, on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondiu cruise ship, which had sailed from Argentina and Cape Verde. Hantavirus infection, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodent excretions, is rare but can be severe and fatal. While human-to-human transmission is limited, it has been observed with the Andes virus. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome HPS has a mortality rate of up to 38% among patients with respiratory symptoms. The Egyptian ministry is monitoring media reports but reassures citizens that the "current situation does not warrant concern." Egypt's epidemiological surveillance system operates efficiently at all entry points, and the ministry is coordinating with WHO and other international bodies to ensure a rapid response to any developments, prioritizing public health with transparency and professionalism.
BreakingUS President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled from May 9 to May 11, which will also include a significant prisoner exchange. The agreement, revealed by Trump on his Truth Social platform, entails a "suspension of all kinetic activity" and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. President Trump stated he personally requested the ceasefire and expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their agreement. He hopes this marks "the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought war," adding that ongoing talks are bringing them closer to resolving what he described as the largest conflict since World War II.
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