Universal Disease Screening and Treatment — The Egyptian Example

This perspective outlines Egypt’s landmark public health initiative the 100 Million Healthy Lives program which aimed to screen and treat the entire population for hepatitis C, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Originating from Egypt’s efforts to control hepatitis C, the program evolved from expensive interferon-based therapies to cost-effective regimens using generic direct-acting antivirals manufactured locally. Through strategic negotiations, bulk purchasing, and international partnerships, treatment costs were significantly reduced. By 2019, over 68 million individuals had been screened, and the majority of those with active hepatitis C infection were treated. Real-time data collection via WHO-provided tablets and a centralized network enabled efficient tracking and follow-up. Egypt’s program demonstrates that universal screening and treatment is achievable even in resource-limited settings and offers a scalable model for other nations tackling chronic and infectious diseases.

This perspective outlines Egypt’s landmark public health initiative the 100 Million Healthy Lives program which aimed to screen and treat the entire population for hepatitis C, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Originating from Egypt’s efforts to control hepatitis C, the program evolved from expensive interferon-based therapies to cost-effective regimens using generic direct-acting antivirals manufactured locally. Through strategic negotiations, bulk purchasing, and international partnerships, treatment costs were significantly reduced. By 2019, over 68 million individuals had been screened, and the majority of those with active hepatitis C infection were treated. Real-time data collection via WHO-provided tablets and a centralized network enabled efficient tracking and follow-up. Egypt’s program demonstrates that universal screening and treatment is achievable even in resource-limited settings and offers a scalable model for other nations tackling chronic and infectious diseases.