Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt wins 2025 UN award for innovative obesity prevention efforts
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (UNIATF) announced that Egypt has won a prestigious international award in 2025, recognizing its innovative and effective efforts in 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, attended by global leaders and representatives of UN organizations.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, stated that Dr. Mohamed Hassani, Assistant Minister of Health and Population for Projects and Public Health Initiatives, received the award on behalf of Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar noted that Egypt not only received the award but also served as a co-chair of the 10th annual High-Level Meeting, held under the theme “Accelerating Action on Obesity Prevention and Management.” Organized by WHO and UNIATF, the meeting featured an opening address by Dr. Hassani, who emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to address obesity, a major global health challenge. He underscored the need for integrated policies encompassing prevention, early detection, treatment, and community awareness to achieve effective and sustainable outcomes.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted that this UN recognition, for the second consecutive year, reflects the scale of Egypt’s national efforts to combat obesity. Key initiatives include periodic health screening programs for millions of schoolchildren, the development of diagnostic and treatment services across thousands of health units nationwide, the adoption of health policies such as front-of-pack nutrition labeling to enhance consumer awareness, and ongoing efforts to introduce a health tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
He affirmed that Egypt considers addressing obesity and non-communicable diseases a health and developmental priority. The Ministry of Health and Population remains committed to advancing national efforts, fostering international cooperation, and sharing Egypt’s experience as an inspiring model for other countries to build a healthier and more equitable future for future generations.