Egypt Highlights Rare Disease Efforts at WHO Assembly in Geneva

Egyptian Participation in the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva

“Forset Hayah” Showcases Efforts Supporting Rare Disease Patients Under Egyptian-Spanish Sponsorship

Egypt’s “Forset Hayah” Foundation participated in a high-level international side event held during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The event was organized by the Rare Diseases International alliance under the joint sponsorship of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Spain, under the theme: “Rare Diseases: A Catalyst for Global Health Transformation.”

The Egyptian participation reflected the country’s active role in one of the world’s leading international health platforms dedicated to advancing healthcare policies for rare diseases. The event brought together representatives of WHO member states, healthcare experts, policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, and patient advocacy groups from around the world.

The participation of “Forset Hayah” highlighted Egypt’s growing regional and international role in supporting rare disease initiatives, especially through the foundation’s contribution to developing Egypt’s national strategy for rare diseases in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Population. This aligns with the Egyptian state’s vision for advancing healthcare systems and promoting health equity.

During the discussion sessions, the foundation presented the Egyptian experience in supporting patients, early detection and diagnosis mechanisms, and coordinated healthcare services. The discussions also emphasized the importance of building international partnerships to ensure sustainable treatment access and the exchange of scientific expertise and modern technologies.

Ms. Ghada Moneib, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of “Forset Hayah,” stated that Egypt’s participation reflects the country’s increasing commitment to the rare diseases file. She stressed the importance of cooperation among governments, international organizations, the pharmaceutical sector, and civil society to guarantee patients’ rights to treatment and comprehensive care.

She added that the foundation is working to expand its international partnerships to transfer the best treatment experiences and sustainable financing models to Egypt, supporting presidential initiatives aimed at developing the healthcare sector and improving patients’ quality of life.

The event concluded with a call to strengthen international cooperation over the coming years to implement the global action plan for rare diseases, considering it a key step toward building more equitable, efficient, and inclusive healthcare systems for all.