Egypt and Lebanon are on the verge of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on health cooperation, focusing on primary healthcare, emergency response, workforce training, disease prevention, and digital health. The Egyptian Health Ministry announced that the draft agreement was discussed in Cairo between Egyptian Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar and Egypt's ambassador to Lebanon, Tamim Khalaf. The meeting aimed to review the status of the MOU and other areas of cooperation.
The proposed MOU covers several key areas, including the development of primary and comprehensive healthcare, management of health crises and emergencies, training and capacity-building for medical, nursing, and administrative staff, prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and digital health transformation and e-health applications. According to ministry spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, the draft has been prepared and reviewed by legal and technical departments, with necessary amendments incorporated.
Egypt is now completing the remaining approvals and procedures before coordinating with the Lebanese side and its embassy in Beirut to finalize the text. The Egyptian embassy in Beirut has played a significant role in facilitating communication between the two countries' institutions and following up on health issues. Egypt has continued to provide medical assistance to Lebanon, including a shipment of medicines and medical supplies weighing about 10 tonnes that arrived in August.
In addition to the recent shipment, nearly three tonnes of pharmaceutical aid and supplies were prepared in March. Egypt has also sent repeated shipments of food, medicines, and shelter materials to Lebanon amid pressure on hospitals and basic services. The aid has accompanied Egyptian calls for an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon and for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory following a ceasefire.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has held talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun since Aoun took office in January 2025. In their most recent exchanges, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and national institutions. The two countries have been working to strengthen their bilateral relations, particularly in the health sector.
The health cooperation agreement is expected to enhance the exchange of expertise and best practices between Egypt and Lebanon. It will also provide a framework for collaboration on health issues, including disease prevention and management of health crises. The agreement is seen as a significant step towards promoting health and well-being in both countries.
The Egyptian Health Ministry has confirmed that the MOU is awaiting finalization and signing. Once signed, the agreement will mark a new chapter in Egypt-Lebanon relations, with a focus on cooperation and mutual support in the health sector. Key areas of cooperation will include primary healthcare, workforce training, and digital health.
Key points
- Egypt and Lebanon are nearing the signing of a health cooperation agreement covering primary healthcare, emergency response, workforce training, and digital health.
- The proposed MOU aims to enhance the exchange of expertise and best practices between the two countries.
- Egypt has continued to provide medical assistance to Lebanon, including shipments of medicines, medical supplies, food, and shelter materials.
