The Global Learning Collaborative for Health Systems Resilience (GLC4HSR) marked a significant milestone at its 3rd Annual Conclave, held in New Delhi on March 11–12, 2025, with the official launch of its MENA Chapter. The launch was jointly officiated by Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of the Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA), and Dr. Hala Zaid, former Minister of Health and Population, Egypt, and currently the Regional Director of ACCESS Health International (MENA).

The Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA) will serve as the regional convener of the MENA Chapter, which now joins GLC4HSR’s growing global network of country and regional chapters in Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India (including a state chapter in Telangana), and Dubai. The launch ceremony was attended by several ACCESS Health team members from the MENA region, underscoring the collaborative and cross-regional nature of this new initiative.

Dr. El-Sobky delivered a compelling keynote address following the launch, bringing the Egyptian Universal Health Insurance (UHI) experience to the forefront as a model of policy innovation, strategic implementation, and long-term system strengthening. “With strong political will and the clear vision of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, we launched the UHI program in 2018 to reform our health system toward sound governance and greater resilience,” he stated.

He noted that Egypt has already achieved universal health coverage in six out of 27 governorates under the first phase of implementation and aims to extend coverage to the entire population by 2030. “We have prioritized digital transformation, built resilient infrastructure, and empowered our healthcare workforce—because we believe people are the backbone of any health system,” he added.

Dr. El-Sobky described the launch of the MENA Chapter as a “historic occasion”, calling it a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward stronger, more adaptable health systems. He acknowledged the timing of the launch as critical, given the ongoing military conflicts, emerging health threats, displacement crises, and economic uncertainties across the region.

“Today, we in the MENA region take our place in the global network, bringing our unique perspectives, experiences, and innovations to the table,” he said.

He outlined four strategic focus areas for the MENA Chapter:

• 1. Sharing best practices and lessons learned from across the region.
• 2. Collaborating on innovative financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable health system funding.
• 3. Developing regional strategies for supply chain resilience, ensuring equitable access to essential medical supplies.
• 4. Enhancing knowledge exchange on surveillance systems and collective preparedness.

Dr. El-Sobky issued a call to action for regional policymakers, healthcare professionals, and academics to join the effort, emphasizing that resilience is not just about surviving crises but about continuous improvement and adaptation.

“Egypt Healthcare Authority is fully committed to fostering dialogue and driving innovation with our counterparts in the region,” he said. “Together, we will improve the health and well-being of our people.”

He concluded by conveying greetings from Professor Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, and extended his best wishes for the success of the Conclave.

With this launch, GLC4HSR reinforces its commitment to global collaboration and regionally grounded action, creating platforms for knowledge exchange, peer learning, and collective advancement in health system resilience.