EU Inks €89 Mln Program to Support Egypt’s Health Sector

Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Egypt Ambassador Christian Berger signed on Friday a new amendment to the “Health Sector Policy Support Programme II” worth €89 million to strengthen healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Al-Mashat expressed her appreciation for Egypt’s cooperation with the EU, which is a key development partner for Egypt and implements development programs in a wide range of sectors; with a total portfolio of around €1.35 billion that are all in the form of grants, and which assists in achieving our development objectives without putting extra burden on the state’s budget.

This is in addition to the mutual benefit Egypt receives from international cooperation; benefiting from the EU experiences in various important fields; especially renewable energy, transport, agriculture, technical education, and vocational training, and women empowerment.

[caption id="attachment_185884" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Minister Al-Mashat and Ambassador Berger[/caption]

The minister added that the EU contributes to projects led by other European financial institutions or development partners; giving a good illustration of complementarity among different players in development. Examples in this regard include Alexandria West Wastewater Treatment Plant Project and Promotion of Sustainable Energy in TVET in addition to the pipeline project; Helwan Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.

"Despite the challenges we faced this year, the Ministry of International Cooperation was able to push for progress through applying the principles of economic diplomacy," Al-Mashat stated.

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Mashat played a central role in enhancing coordination between development governments and ministries, including the European Union, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Population, and the Ministry of Finance, to accelerate the implementation of decisions and ensure that all efforts are streamlined and harmonized.

[caption id="attachment_185885" align="alignnone" width="1024"] International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat Meets with EU Ambassador[/caption]

As a result of this, the Ministry of International Cooperation was able to successfully secure $7.3 billion of development financing targeting health and other vital sectors that were affected by the pandemic.

On his part, Berger stated: “I believe that we can win the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic through close cooperation. The current program will help build the capacities of the health sector to confront and respond to the pandemic, and this is the result of close cooperation with the Ministry of International Cooperation as well as the Ministry of Health and Population. "

He added, "By signing today, we can clarify how the partnership between the European Union and Egypt works for the benefit of Egyptians. In one word: solidarity and close cooperation, especially in a time of challenges.”