The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (UNIATF) announced that Egypt has won a prestigious international award as part of the 2025 Awards, in recognition of its innovative and effective efforts in preventing and combating obesity.
The award was presented during the annual awards ceremony held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the fourth High-Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases, in New York City, with the participation of international leaders and representatives of UN organizations.
Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that Mohamed Hassani, Assistant Minister of Health and Population for Public Health Initiatives and Projects, received the award on behalf of Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population.
Abdel Ghaffar added that Egypt not only received the award but also participated as a co-chair of the 10th annual High-Level Meeting, held under the theme: “Accelerating action in obesity prevention and management”, organized in collaboration between WHO and UNIATF.
At the opening of the meeting, Hassani delivered an inaugural address in which he emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in tackling obesity, as it remains one of the most pressing global health challenges.
He stressed the need to adopt comprehensive policies that encompass prevention, early detection, treatment, and community awareness to achieve effective and sustainable outcomes.
Abdel Ghaffar pointed out that this UN recognition, for the second consecutive year, reflects the scale of Egypt’s national efforts in combating obesity.
He emphasized that the Egyptian state considers combating obesity and non-communicable diseases as a health and development priority, reaffirming the Ministry of Health and Population’s commitment to continuing national efforts, enhancing international collaboration, and sharing the Egyptian experience as an inspiring model for other countries to build a healthier and more equitable future for coming generations.
