Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said that 16 presidential health initiatives have been operating under the “100 Million Healthy Lives” program for eight years, benefiting around 95 million people at a total cost of EGP 44 billion, as part of the government’s focus on prevention and early detection. He explained that the initiatives cover different stages of life, starting with newborn screenings for 19 genetic diseases and hearing impairment, followed by health checks for schoolchildren, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly. The minister also noted that premarital medical examinations are now mandatory, covering infectious diseases, hepatitis B, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and certain genetic conditions. Couples are provided with the results and potential risks, while the final decision remains theirs. The remarks came during a dialogue session titled “Health in Egypt: Achievements, Challenges and a Vision for the Future,” which discussed efforts to develop the healthcare system and improve the quality of services provided to citizens.