“100 Million Seha” Expands to Aid Refugees In Egypt

In its new phase, the “100 Million Seha” campaign extended to include refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt. 

In 2018, Egypt’s Ministry of Health launched the project in cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018.  The campaign pursues the detection and elimination of Hepatitis C by 2023. 

Starting 17 March 2019, the campaign expanded to provide free tests to refugees and asylum-seekers on equal footings as Egyptians. One week later, the first refugee started receiving free Hepatitis C medication.  

“UNHCR is very grateful to the hospitality the Egyptian Government and people have shown towards the refugee population in Egypt,” said Mr Karim Atassi, UNHCR Representative to Egypt and the League of Arab States.

Atassi added that the inclusion of refugees in this nationwide initiative reflected Egypt’s hospitality towards people seeking protection within its borders. 

The campaign also includes mass index, blood pressure and glucose tests. Besides, free Hepatitis C treatment is provided to those positively diagnosed, commensurate to citizens. 

Since 2016, Egypt has granted fugitives access to the public healthcare system. 

“This is a real example for health to all by all as a lead way to universal health coverage in Egypt,” said Dr. Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative to Egypt. 

The UNHCR and WHO coordination with the Ministry includes offering after care upon the treatment’s completion.