Egypt launches National Strategy for Early Childhood Development 2024 – 2029

CAIRO – 5 March 2024: The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) launched Monday the National Strategy for Early Childhood Development 2024 – 2029 which should contribute to combating poverty, and promoting equal opportunities.

The strategy - set in collaboration with UNICEF - will help spare 10 million children the risk of not reaching their full potential due to inadequate nutrition, limited access to quality healthcare and early learning, exposure to violence, and lack of motivation.

The strategy – targeted at children aged between 0 and 6 - is focused on policies and legislations; proper family and community care; and, access to healthcare, nutrition, education, protection, and responsive care services.

UNICEF Representative in Egypt Jeremy Hopkins showcased that anaemia in Egyptian children rose from 27 percent in 2014 to 43 percent in 2021. Also, only 10 percent of children under four are able to enroll in childcare facilities.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala al-Said noted that the strategy would better enable the enhancement of governance and the definition of the role of each agency involved. That is in addition to improving data collection and effect measurement.

The minister underscored that the strategy was aligned with Sustainable Development Vision 2030, which is human-centered, as it gives care to culture, awareness, and rational behavior.

Minister of International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat pointed out that the strategy was the outcome of many studies and exposure to leading international practices. She further added that Egypt and the United Nations would join forces to implement the universal health insurance as well as provide care to mothers and children.

Minister of Education and Technical Education Reda Hegazy stressed the necessity of giving care to shaping the personality of children at schools in adequate ways. In a related context, Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy pointed out that his ministry collaborates with educational and health establishments to offer services in the most optimum way. He equally highlighted that the country holds the Egyptian Child Olympics to promote sports among children.