Egypt announces launching Fahim Foundation, complex for mental health under Presidential initiative

27 / 01 / 2023

By Marwa Nassar - -

Egypt announced launching “Fahim Foundation for Mental Health” within the framework of a presidential initiative for mental health.

Egypt will also set up a mental health complex outside Cairo soon to act as an integrated city.

Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar underlined President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s interest in mental health file.

The launch ceremony was attended by Abdel Ghaffar, ex-minister for emigration Nabila Makram as well as Ministers Nivine Kabbaj of Social Solidarity and Ashraf Sobhi of Youth and Sports.

A number of lawmakers, ambassadors and a cluster of public figures also attended the event.

Makram – who chaired the foundation – said Fahim Foundation is a non-profit association and is meant to support youths and children facing psychological problems and detecting their psychological illness early.

She said a large number of psychiatrists joined the foundation which has an e-website to communicate with those suffering from psychological problems.

The foundation will organize several activities for school and university students as well as youths, she said.

She noted that the ministries of health and youth and the National Council for Women signed cooperation protocols with the foundation.

For his part, Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhi highlighted the key role to be played by the foundation in offering psychological support for various social segments.

He said workshops will be held to spread awareness about the gravity of psychological illness and encourage youths to confront this silent disease which is far more dangerous than physical diseases.

For his part, Abdel Ghaffar said the ministry has opened psychological clinics in various governorates and villages, adding, however, that the number of doctors is not enough.

He noted that studies show that a large number of people are suffering from psychological diseases and their treatment is costly.

He highlighted the role played by media in changing the social perspective with regard to psychological illness.