A delegation from Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity recently visited Brazil to learn from the country's experience in providing psychological and social support to children and adolescents. The visit was coordinated with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and included meetings with Brazilian government officials, including ministers from the Ministries of Development and Social Assistance, Family, and Human Rights and Citizenship. The Egyptian delegation was led by Dr. Amr Osman, Director of the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse.
During the visit, the Egyptian delegation learned about Brazil's policies and systems for mental health support and rehabilitation for children and adolescents. They were introduced to Brazil's comprehensive network of services that connect mental health with social, family, and environmental factors. The Brazilian approach focuses on early detection and intervention, as well as addressing risk factors that can impact mental health. The delegation also visited specialized centers for mental and social care for children and adolescents, primary healthcare units, and social services.
The Egyptian delegation engaged in discussions with Brazilian officials on building the capacity of staff working in this field and leveraging technology to expand services to children and adolescents. They also explored ways to provide listening and support services, guidance, and referrals to specialized services when needed. The visit included a session on digital challenges and protecting children from the risks of digital exploitation, addiction, and excessive use of electronic games and betting.
The Egyptian delegation shared the country's vision for developing a comprehensive national system for psychological and social support for children and adolescents, in line with international standards. The vision aims to integrate care and social protection services with mental health services, prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable groups. Egypt has already taken steps to prepare and qualify specialized cadres, including launching the first professional diploma in this field in collaboration with Ain Shams University.
The Egyptian delegation also highlighted the importance of involving civil society organizations in providing psychological and social support services. They emphasized the need for a system that is subject to necessary standards and controls to ensure the quality and sustainability of services. The Brazilian side expressed its desire for further cooperation and exchange of experiences with Egypt in this field.
The visit included a review of the Egyptian experience in preparing and qualifying specialized cadres, including the launch of the first professional diploma in this field. The delegation also discussed ways to enhance the participation of associations and civil society institutions in providing support services, leveraging their ability to reach local communities and vulnerable groups.
The Egyptian delegation's visit to Brazil aimed to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in supporting children and adolescents. The two countries are expected to continue their collaboration in this field, contributing to the enhancement of mental health and psychosocial support for children and adolescents in both countries.
Key points
- Egypt's Ministry of Solidarity is developing a national system for psychological and social support for children and adolescents.
- The Egyptian delegation learned from Brazil's comprehensive network of services for mental health support and rehabilitation.
- The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise between Egypt and Brazil in supporting children and adolescents.
