The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of Egypt's "100 Million Healthy
Lives" initiative, especially concerning child health services, involves
systematic processes to track progress and outcomes through multi-phase
screenings, data collection, and analysis. This M&E structure is designed to
ensure transparency, continuous improvement, and responsiveness to public
health needs.
1. Data Collection and Screening:
For child health, the initiative conducts genetic screenings for
newborns in two stages. Initial screenings occur in Ministry of Health facilities,
followed by a broader rollout in university hospitals, private nurseries, and
health units. Blood samples are collected from infants and analyzed at the
Egyptian Center for Disease Control (ECDC), ensuring uniformity in data
handling and prompt action for detected genetic conditions. This phased
approach allows for consistent tracking of screening numbers, coverage rate,
and disease incidence rates
2. Progressive Targeting and Scaling:
To measure and expand its reach, the initiative employs a phased
expansion plan that adapts based on ongoing results. In the early stages, it
focuses on immediate health concerns like congenital diseases in infants,
then broadens to cover chronic diseases across other age demographics. The
Ministry of Health reports updates on the number of screenings conducted
and any emerging health trends, which helps to evaluate and adjust the
program’s efficacy in real-time
3. Outcome Reporting and Recognition:
Egypt’s achievements under the initiative, such as being declared
Hepatitis C-free by WHO, highlight the impact of data-driven health policies.
WHO’s acknowledgment indicates that M&E processes are recognized
internationally, reinforcing their effectiveness. Regular updates, like the high
number of screenings and specific disease reductions, are shared with
stakeholders and the public, increasing accountability and support.
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4. Performance Metrics:
The initiative sets measurable health indicators, such as the number of
diseases screened, the number of newborns and adults examined, and
specific outcomes in chronic disease management. By evaluating these
metrics, health officials gain insight into service coverage, success rates, and
areas needing more resources or strategy adjustments. This data is essential
for refining policies, redirecting resources, and enhancing healthcare
accessibility nationwide.
On June 21, 2024, Egypt's Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdul
Ghafar, announced that approximately 454,879 infants had been screened
through a presidential program focused on early genetic disease detection.
This campaign, part of the "100 Million Healthy Lives" initiative launched on
July 13, 2021, aims to support a healthier generation by identifying genetic
conditions early.
In the initiative's first phase, 19 specific genetic conditions are screened in
premature infants within Ministry-affiliated hospital nurseries. According to
the ministry’s spokesperson, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the second phase
expands the screenings to newborns in nurseries nationwide, covering
university and private hospitals and various health units. Soad Abdel Meguid,
head of the healthcare and nursing sector, specified that these screenings
include conditions like congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and
phenylketonuria, among others. Blood samples from infants' heels are
collected and analyzed at the Egyptian Centre for Diseases and Control
(ECDC), as explained by Abdel-Razek
Through these M&E practices, the "100 Million Healthy Lives" initiative
leverages reliable health data to track its impact, inform policy, and maintain
transparency as it strives toward creating a healthier, disability-free
generation in Egypt.
Resources:
EgyptToday
Egypt Independent
World Bank Group
Egyptian Gazette
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