As Egypt marks the International Day of Family and Peace, UN reaffirms support for inclusive health and social protection

Cairo - Celebrating the Yearlong International Day of Family and Peace, the Government of Egypt, led by the Ministry of Health and Population, convened national and international development partners to spotlight families as the foundation of social cohesion, wellbeing, and sustainable development, with the United Nations reaffirming its full commitment to working hand in hand with national and development partners to  strengthen health services and support communities across the country.

Attended by Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population  and Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, the event brought together government officials, health and social sector leaders, faith figures, and development partners to examine how family empowerment, child protection, and accessible health services contribute to peaceful and resilient societies—particularly amid growing demographic pressures and regional displacement.

Discussions highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts to strengthen primary health care as a cornerstone of family wellbeing, with a focus on maternal, child, reproductive, and psychosocial health. Government speakers emphasized reforms aimed at expanding access, improving quality, and investing in the health workforce as part of a broader human development agenda.

A dedicated session addressed the needs of migrants, refugees, and other displaced populations, reflecting Egypt’s role as a major host country. The session brought together the representatives of UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UNHCR, IOM, ILO, and WFP, underscoring the United Nations’ coordinated approach to supporting national systems across health, protection, nutrition, migration, and livelihoods—while reinforcing social cohesion between host communities and newcomers.

In her keynote remarks, Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, stressed that peace begins within families and communities, and that health must be upheld as a right for all who reside in the country. She welcomed the Government of Egypt’s launch of the “Dyofna” (“Our Guests”) Initiative, describing it as a forward-looking step to expand access to essential health and psychosocial services for migrants and refugees, while strengthening women’s empowerment and social cohesion.

She also highlighted the Joint Programme for Migrants, Refugees and Host Communities, supported by the European Union and implemented under Egypt’s National Joint Platform, as a flagship example of nationally led cooperation that bridges humanitarian response and long-term development.

“Over the past year, this partnership has delivered tangible results,” Panova said. “Working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health and Population, the UN has refurbished and equipped 34 public healthcare facilities, delivered over 12,000 rapid diagnostic tests and vaccines, and trained 1,729 healthcare practitioners—significantly enhancing Egypt’s health system’s capacity to meet growing demands.”

Building on these achievements, she stressed the need for continued investment: “With arrivals continuing to rise, we must scale up the Programme to ensure quality services remain resilient, accessible, and responsive for all communities. Together, we can protect families, empower communities, and leave no one behind.”

As Egypt continues its yearlong observance of the International Day of Family and Peace, the event reaffirmed a shared commitment to building inclusive systems that protect families, uphold dignity, and strengthen social cohesion across the country.