The initiative, unveiled at Egypt Children’s Hospital, comes within the presidential public health initiatives to ease the burden on affected children and their families while ensuring modern, integrated care.
Health minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar stated that the programme is fully funded through partnerships between the ministry and key institutions, including the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), the Commercial International Bank (CIB), and relevant medical funds, allowing for wider access and sustainability.
Egypt currently has around 55,000 children living with type 1 diabetes between the ages of one and 18, prompting the state to prioritize prevention and complication reduction within its broader health strategy.
The initiative relies on strict criteria developed by a specialized scientific committee to ensure services reach eligible patients and minimize risks associated with irregular glucose monitoring.
It also addresses the psychological burden faced by children, who may otherwise endure up to 3,650 finger pricks annually. Reducing this strain is expected to improve treatment adherence and lower the risk of complications such as diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease.
Officials say the programme will help stabilize glucose levels, reduce both acute and chronic complications, and cut hospital admissions and emergency costs by up to 30 percent, generating long-term economic benefits.
A pilot phase began on 5 March with the installation of 55 sensors at the Egypt Children’s Hospital. Plans are underway to expand to eight centres nationwide by the end of the year, with plans to eventually reach all governorates.
The initiative targets children aged four to six, and it provides an integrated care package, including continuous glucose monitoring devices, caregiver training, regular medical follow-up, technical support, and necessary laboratory tests. Around 5,000 children are expected to benefit over five years.
A digital platform allows doctors and parents to monitor glucose levels in real time, enabling faster medical decisions and improved follow-up.
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