Egyptian Health Minister Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar delivered a recorded opening speech at the high-level dialogue "Preparedness that Protects: Enhancing Preparedness for Pandemics through Resilient Health Systems and Continuity of Essential Health Services." The event took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the General Assembly. The dialogue was co-hosted by the Egyptian Ministry of Health, the Spanish Ministry of Health, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The high-level dialogue brought together ministers and officials from the UAE, Norway, Spain, and leaders of international organizations and humanitarian institutions. In his speech, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that preparedness for pandemics is not limited to responding to crises, but rather begins with building resilient health systems that ensure continuity of essential services and protect people's health in various circumstances. He stressed the importance of sustainable investment in primary healthcare, surveillance, vaccinations, workforce, supply chains, and community systems.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic and global health crises have shown that threats are continuous, interconnected, and unpredictable. He noted that each outbreak tests the capacity of health systems not only to detect and contain but also to maintain vaccination programs, maternal and child care, treatment of non-communicable diseases, mental health, and palliative care while protecting healthcare workers. The minister emphasized that preparedness and resilience are two sides of the same responsibility, which is to protect lives before, during, and after crises.
The Egyptian Health Minister stressed the need to enhance primary care, surveillance and early detection capabilities, supply chains, infrastructure, workforce protection, community participation, and sustainable access to services. He also emphasized that preparedness should be human-centered, reaching the most vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, people with disabilities, migrants, refugees, and displaced persons. This ensures that no one has to choose between protection from emergencies and daily care.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the significance of the high-level meeting at the United Nations on preventing, preparing for, and responding to pandemics. He emphasized the need to transition from lessons learned to strengthening health systems, from commitments to implementation, and from fragmented efforts to genuine international solidarity that converts experiences into concrete and sustainable actions. The minister also stressed that equity should remain at the core of preparedness.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar noted that access to preparedness should not be determined by geographical location, income level, or negotiating position. He emphasized that all countries should have the capacity for early detection, protecting healthcare workers, maintaining essential services, accessing medical measures, and rapid recovery. The minister concluded that resilience is built long before a crisis and is tested during it.
The Egyptian Health Minister stated that a resilient health system is one that continues to provide essential care in parallel with responding to outbreaks, maintains health gains, and emerges stronger and more prepared for the future. He emphasized that "preparedness that protects" is one that leaves no one behind and translates international solidarity into concrete institutions, investments, and actions.
Key points
- Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt's Health Minister, participated in a high-level dialogue at the UN General Assembly.
- The dialogue focused on pandemic preparedness and response, emphasizing the importance of resilient health systems.
- Dr. Abdel Ghaffar stressed the need for sustainable investment in primary healthcare and community systems.
