Ministry of Health Launches New Initiative for Mental Health Support

The Ministry of Health and Population has launched the ‘Your Health is Happiness’ initiative. This initiative aims to enhance mental health services as a cornerstone of comprehensive development and societal stability.

The initiative addresses a wide range of mental health needs, focusing on early detection and intervention for conditions like autism spectrum disorders, addiction (including drug and video game addiction), and depression, along with psychological support for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, chronic illness patients, cancer patients and the elderly.

A notable feature of the initiative is its collaboration with the United States to utilise MRI scans for early autism detection in Egypt. It also includes a referral system for specialised care and offers early intervention programmes for children with developmental disorders.

The ministry outlined that the first phase of the programme has already trained 22 health centres in Cairo. The next phase will involve specialised training for advanced care referrals, guided by a training programme developed by the World Health Organisation. Additionally, the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare centres will reduce the burden on specialised hospitals and provide early support for those in need.

As part of this initiative, mental health services are also now accessible through Egypt’s comprehensive health insurance system and its online platform.