28 July 2024 – Egypt has officially launched the Egyptian National Guidelines programme. Thirty public health and clinical care guidelines are now available, covering 15 health issues. This is a great start to a remarkable initiative.  “I had the honour of Joining H.E. Dr Khaled Abdul Ghafar, Deputy Prime Minster and Minister of Health in the official launch of the Egyptian National Guidelines Programme,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “I am proud that WHO – both the regional and country offices – has been part of the process of developing the guidelines and establishing the national guidelines programme since 2022.”  Public health and clinical care guidelines can be used as a tool to improve quality and safety in health service delivery by supporting the use of evidence in clinical decision-making and health care practices. In doing so, guidelines enhance health system performance by improving patient health outcomes.   “Encouraged by the unyielding political support at all levels in Egypt, we remain committed to evidence-informed policy-making as a key strategy towards achieving universal health coverage. We will cherish sharing this remarkable experience with other countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.” Dr Balkhy added.