[Geneva 13 November 2024] – The Arab Republic of Egypt and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today signed a Framework Agreement which serves as a foundation to strengthen Egypt’s health systems. With a focus on the national response to HIV and tuberculosis, as well as mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on health infrastructure, this partnership underscores Egypt’s commitment to health resilience for vulnerable communities. UNDP serves as the Principal Recipient and coordinates efforts with the Ministry of Health and Population and civil society organizations to provide crucial prevention and diagnostic services.

This long-standing partnership with the Global Fund highlights Egypt's commitment to the fight against HIV and tuberculosis for vulnerable populations. Key health system interventions include working with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS and civil society organizations to promote access to care and improving early detection and treatment.

The new framework emphasizes increased collaboration between the Egyptian government represented in the two national programs for HIV & TB and the Global Fund to facilitate joint efforts to improve health outcomes for Egyptians. In 2023, UNDP and partners supported more than 18,600 people with access to HIV prevention kits, 4,955 people with TB screening using WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tools and nearly 1,000 people, including migrants, to receive TB treatment. 

“The MOHP is committed to protecting the health and well-being of people across Egypt," said Dr. Mohamad Hassany, Assistant Minister of Health and Population for Public Health Initiatives and Projects. "This agreement strengthens Egypt’s health system and reaffirms our commitment to helping those most affected and in need. With the support of the Global Fund and UNDP, we will continue to improve access to essential health care and uphold the right to health for people across the country."

“We are pleased to deepen our partnership with the Egyptian government and support the resilience of their health system," said Caty Fall Sow, the Head of the Africa and Middle East Department of the Global Fund. "Together with our partners, we are committed to mitigating the impact of diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV on vulnerable populations. This agreement reinforces our pledge to support Egypt’s health sector in critical investment areas."

"UNDP is committed to strengthening the Egyptian health system through proactive and coordinated efforts with the Global Fund and the Government of Egypt. Since 2019, we are proud to have served as the Principal Recipient of Global Fund grants in Egypt, enabling us to provide critical HIV and tuberculosis services to vulnerable populations,” said Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt. “This partnership supports immediate health needs and builds resilience and capacity for future health challenges. By working with our partners and community-based organizations, we aim to ensure that health services reach those who need them most, promoting long-term, sustainable health resilience,” he added.

The improved health infrastructure in Egypt will benefit Egyptians and, in line with humanitarian principles, extend essential health services to the growing number of refugees and migrants seeking refuge in the country. The continued support of the international community is crucial for Egypt to maintain these services and meet the health needs of all in the country.

For more information, please contact:
UNDP | Fatma Elzahraa Yassin, UNDP Egypt, Communication Lead, fatma.yassin@undp.org 
Global Fund | Ravini Senanayake, Manager – Public Relations, ravini.senanayake@theglobalfund.org 

About UNDP Egypt 
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/egypt or follow us at @undpegypt.