Egyptian Health Map: A Road for Evidence-Based Decision Making

Background and context: Egyptian health system is characterized by the multiple entities in charge of service regulation, financing and provision. In addition, health outcomes in Egypt mirror epidemiologic transition; with increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and persistent high levels of selected communicable diseases (CDs), which put a huge financial burden on the health system's limited resources. This together with financial inefficiencies aggravates inequality in health services coverage and health outcomes. Aim: We aimed to map and link health services with key health outcomes to support efficient utilization of scarce resources and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Program/Policy process: Data on health services and health outcomes were obtained from Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) and key national surveys. Data on health services' availability and coverage were compared in the different geographical regions. Correlation analysis was used to test “the relation” between selected service availability indicators and mortality rates from key NCDs and MMR. Outcomes: There was generally poor achievement of service availability national targets with wide geographical disparities. Cardiovascular diseases and cancers were the leading causes of death. There was a significant correlation between mortality from key NCDs and service availability indicators. Key risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity and high blood pressure are on the rise which was particularly evident among women. What was learned: Wide geographical disparities and increased burden of NCDs and their risk factors are identified as key challenges facing the health care system in Egypt. Priority setting in the light of these findings is crucial to support national efforts to attain health equity and UHC.