Egypt's Ministry of Health has initiated a school health campaign for the 2026/27 academic year, aiming to reach around 7 million students during the first semester. The campaign, which will be implemented across 21 governorates, focuses on promoting healthier behaviors among students, parents, and teachers. The campaign's messages will cover various topics, including healthy nutrition, physical activity, smoking prevention, violence and bullying, and responsible technology use.
The "Hanetghayar" campaign is designed to build health awareness among children and young people according to their age groups, while involving parents and the wider school community. Deputy Health Minister Abla El-Alfy stated that the program is tailored to the specific needs of different age groups. The campaign aims to educate students on making informed choices about their health and well-being.
As part of the campaign, around 4,500 trained teams will be deployed across approximately 38,800 educational facilities to conduct comprehensive medical examinations for approximately 5.5 million students. The medical screening program will help identify health issues early on, enabling prompt interventions and referrals. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of Egyptian students.
The school health teams and education staff will also receive training in first aid and emergency response, alongside the implementation of international health-promoting school standards. According to Samir Wahid El-Demiry, Head of the Primary Healthcare and Family Development Sector, this training will equip staff with the necessary skills to respond to emergencies and promote healthy behaviors.
Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar stated that the plan also aims to standardize health messages across educational institutions and strengthen the skills of school health teams and education officials. The ministry has already organized 60 health days during the summer break, involving 1,492 students and 1,265 parents. These activities covered topics such as nutrition, healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and the prevention of smoking, addiction, violence, and bullying.
The Ministry of Health's initiative is a significant step towards promoting the health and well-being of Egyptian students. By targeting 7 million students across 21 governorates, the campaign has the potential to make a substantial impact on the health outcomes of the country's young population. The campaign's focus on health awareness, education, and early intervention will help equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed choices about their health.
The campaign's success will depend on the effective implementation of its various components, including the training of school health teams and education staff, as well as the engagement of parents and the wider school community. With the support of all stakeholders, the "Hanetghayar" campaign can contribute to a healthier and more informed student population, ultimately benefiting the country's future.
Key points
- The campaign aims to reach 7 million students across 21 governorates.
- The program focuses on promoting healthier behaviors among students, parents, and teachers.
- The campaign includes comprehensive medical examinations for approximately 5.5 million students.
