🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
Egypt's presidential initiative screens 3.7 million students for vision impairment
via Egypt Today2 min read
The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population continues its "Our Children’s Eyes... Our Future" presidential initiative, launched in January 2025 under the "100 Million Health" umbrella. This program has screened over 3.7 million primary school students aged 6 to 12 across various governorates to detect vision problems like weak eyesight and lazy eye. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, noted that the initiative involves school-based screenings by medical teams, with referred cases receiving advanced treatment at Health Insurance clinics. To date, 24,500 medical eyeglasses have been distributed, over 1,300 surgical procedures performed, and more than 30,000 cases provided with pharmaceutical treatment. The initiative is a joint effort by the Ministries of Health, Education, Social Solidarity, and Local Development, aiming to raise awareness among parents and teachers about early eye care to prevent learning difficulties and social withdrawal.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Egypt's Cabinet has approved a draft presidential decree to pardon a number of convicted prisoners, allowing for the remainder of their sentences to be commuted. This decision comes in anticipation of Eid Al-Adha, an Islamic holiday observed on the 10th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, which is expected to occur in the last week of May this year.
Egypt's government aims for 5.4% economic growth in the next fiscal year, with projections reaching 6.8% by 2029/2030. The plan emphasizes expanding investment and private sector participation, targeting LE 3.7 trillion in total investments, with the private sector expected to contribute 59% initially and 64% by the end of the medium-term plan. The investment rate is forecast to rise from 17% of GDP next year to 20% by 2030. Growth is anticipated to be driven by real economy sectors, particularly manufacturing, which is projected to contribute 29% of total growth. Other key sectors include trade, tourism, construction, and agriculture, collectively accounting for 64% of economic expansion. GDP is projected to reach LE 24.5 trillion in FY2026/2027 and grow to LE 36.8 trillion by the end of the decade. The plan also prioritizes human development, with health sector allocations increasing by 25% and pre-university education spending rising by 11.5%. Social protection funding is set to increase by 57%, and infrastructure investments will continue across sectors like water, housing, irrigation, and renewable energy. The "Haya Karima" initiative remains central, focusing on completing its first phase and rolling out a second phase to improve rural living conditions. While global challenges persist, they are seen as opportunities for industrial localization and increased exports. The plan's success will be measured by both growth figures and improvements in citizens’ quality of life
Finnish President Alexander Stubb met with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit at the league’s headquarters in Cairo. Their discussions covered regional and international issues, as well as prospects for Finland’s economic cooperation with Arab countries. President Stubb emphasized the importance of coordination with Arab states during a critical period of fundamental changes in the international system, noting the world's shift towards a multipolar era. He stressed the need for greater cooperation among active international organizations and a stronger role for the United Nations, advocating for international institutions to reflect current global realities rather than their 1945 origins. This meeting was part of President Stubb's two-day visit to Egypt, where he also held talks with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on bilateral relations and regional developments, including the Gaza war and Middle East tensions. He met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, attended the Egypt-Finland Business Forum, and engaged with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayyeb. President Stubb is also scheduled to meet with Pope Tawadros II, Head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, and meet with business leaders and foreign policy experts. He delivered a lecture at the American University in Cairo on global transitions and the shifting balance of power. This visit marks the first presidential trip from Finland to Egypt since 2009.
Must ReadEgypt's mobile wallet transactions reached approximately LE 4 trillion by the end of 2025, according to data from the Central Bank of Egypt. The number of mobile wallets in the country significantly increased to 60 million by the close of 2025, a substantial rise from 15.2 million in 2019. This growth reflects a consistent upward trend over several years, with wallet numbers increasing from 19.8 million in 2020, to 25.2 million in 2021, 30.4 million in 2022, 39.4 million in 2023, and 50.4 million in 2024, before reaching 60 million in 2025. The Central Bank of Egypt's data highlights the ongoing expansion in the adoption and use of mobile payment services across Egypt.