Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan will provide Egypt with a loan of up to 44 billion yen (about $336 million) for its Universal Health Coverage, and an agreement on that was signed in Cairo on March 27 by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Egyptian Government.

The loan, made according to Japan’s Official Development Assistant (ODA) program, will help Egypt to have a much-needed upgrade for its healthcare system and to enable citizens to access quality, affordable health services, JICA said in a statement on March 28.

“Egypt’s rapid population growth, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising prices, now more than ever,” all have taken a heavy toll on Egypt, which has been working to introduce a Universal Health Insurance System since 2018, but has been challenged by financial constraints,” according to the statement. 

The objective of the loan is to financially support the implementation of Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance System, including a medical security system and improved healthcare services, eventually stabilizing the Egyptian economy and development efforts.

The loan will also contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of “no poverty, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities,” JICA said.