Egypt

Egypt is in its early stages of PIVI engagement. Prior to joining PIVI, Egypt grew its influenza surveillance and laboratory capacity. In 1999, Egypt established sentinel surveillance for influenza-like illness and in 2009 began sentinel surveillance for severe acute respiratory infection. The Ministry of Health and Populations (MOHP) has a group dedicated to influenza activities. The MOPH conducted a number of trainings targeting physicians and other healthcare workers to strengthen early detection and diagnosis, hospital infection control, and surveillance. 

With an agreement with the US CDC, Egypt worked on its preparedness and response to avian and pandemic influenza. Following the 2009 influenza pandemic, rapid response teams were trained on guidelines in the national preparedness pandemic plan. Egypt’s influenza program successfully provided vaccines for Hajj pilgrim travelers and provided free influenza vaccines for healthcare workers.