June 23, 2026

Under the patronage of Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University, the University hosted a scientific lecture on Tuesday, June 23, delivered by Professor Abla El-Alfy, Deputy Minister of Health and Population for Population and Family Development. During the lecture, she reviewed the implementation framework of the Presidential Initiative "The Golden 1,000 Days for the Development of the Egyptian Family," discussed the proposed implementation mechanisms, and announced the formation of a joint committee to oversee the execution of the initiative's programs and activities at Assiut University. The event was attended by Professor Mohamed Adawy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Professor Mohamed Gamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in Assiut.

The lecture highlighted the objectives and key pillars of the initiative, explored mechanisms for strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Population and Assiut University, reviewed the achievements made in the fields of population, development, and maternal and child health during 2025, and discussed the implementation plan for 2026.

Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy praised the importance of the lecture and the comprehensive overview it provided of the initiative, emphasizing that it represents a valuable contribution to defining priorities and establishing a clear implementation framework for this vital national initiative.

The University President expressed his appreciation to Professor Abla El-Alfy for her insightful presentation and clear vision regarding the implementation of the "Golden 1,000 Days for the Development of the Egyptian Family" initiative. He reaffirmed Assiut University's commitment to supporting this national priority and strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Population to ensure the successful achievement of its objectives.

Professor Abla El-Alfy presented a detailed overview of the most significant achievements in the areas of population and development, maternal health, and child health. She reviewed the initiative's implementation plan, which is designed to support the objectives of the National Population and Development Strategy by addressing demographic challenges through awareness programs, healthcare interventions, and specialized training, thereby improving performance indicators related to maternal and child health and family planning.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the current phase focuses on strengthening integration between health and academic institutions in addressing population-related challenges through expanding awareness campaigns, field interventions, and improving the quality of healthcare services, in support of the State's efforts to achieve sustainable development and invest in human development.

In his remarks, Professor Mohamed Adawy affirmed that the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector continues its efforts to address priority societal issues by implementing a wide range of awareness and community-based initiatives targeting both the University community and the wider public. He highlighted the role of the Center for Monitoring and Studying Community Problems in identifying societal challenges and proposing practical solutions in cooperation with relevant stakeholders. He further noted that the University continues to harness its academic and research capabilities to serve the community and strengthen partnerships with healthcare and development institutions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and improved quality of life.

The lecture featured extensive scientific discussions and interventions by a number of University leaders, reflecting the integration of academic, medical, and media sectors. Participants emphasized the importance of translating the objectives of the national strategy into practical implementation plans within the University and its hospitals.

Participants also stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among academic, healthcare, and media sectors to support the initiative's objectives. They highlighted the need to prepare qualified nursing professionals specializing in maternal and child healthcare, proposed the establishment of a professional diploma in Midwifery, emphasized the importance of training internship students to provide health counseling at the University Women's Health Hospital, and called for greater awareness of healthy birth spacing.

They further underscored the vital role of the media in supporting awareness campaigns related to reproductive health and family planning through disseminating educational messages across various media platforms and strengthening partnerships with health and academic institutions to support national initiatives, particularly the "Golden 1,000 Days for the Development of the Egyptian Family" initiative.

Participants also highlighted the efforts of the University Women's Health Hospital to enhance safe childbirth services and family planning in accordance with the latest medical protocols, thereby reducing unnecessary cesarean deliveries and improving the quality of healthcare services provided to women and families.

The lecture was attended by Professor Fatma Roshdy, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing; Professor Rehab El-Dakhly, Head of the Department of Media and Media Advisor to the University President; Professor Ahmed Ibrahim, Director of the University Women's Health Hospital; Professor Yasser Farouk, Director of the University Children's Hospital; Professor Mohamed Mahmoud Fathallah, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Professor Gamal Askar, Head of the Department of Pediatrics.

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Mr. Ahmed Khairy, Assistant Deputy Minister for Operations; Mr. Mohamed Mokhtar, Director of the Deputy Minister's Office; Professor Mervat Fouad, Head of the Central Administration for Family Development; and Professor Samir El-Demiry, Head of the Central Administration for Primary Healthcare.

The event was also attended by a delegation from the Assiut Directorate of Health, including Mr. Hosny Ragab, Director of Public Relations and Family Planning Media Coordinator at the Directorate.