The Ministry of Health and Population has successfully examined more than 1.6 million first-year elementary school students as part of the national initiative for early detection of Hepatitis C during the 2023/2024 academic year. This initiative, operating under the slogan “100 Million Health,” is conducted free of charge.
Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry, stated that the initiative aims to screen over two million first-year elementary school students and provide treatment for those who test positive. The current year’s initiative has achieved a completion rate of 76.4%.
Mohamed Dhahi, President of the General Authority for Health Insurance, emphasized that the examinations are performed by highly trained medical teams using rapid reagents. These teams are affiliated with the General Authority for Health Insurance.
Dhahi also highlighted the collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, as well as Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, to ensure the campaign is executed smoothly without disrupting the educational process. Parental consent is obtained before conducting the examinations and treatments.
Heba Said, the general coordinator of the initiative at the General Authority for Health Insurance, added that students who test positive are referred to one of the 24 liver committees located in branches of the General Authority for Health Insurance across the country. These committees conduct specialized examinations and analyses according to approved protocols, with pediatricians trained in the treatment protocol.
This initiative is a significant step towards the early detection and treatment of Hepatitis C among young students, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the population.
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