The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has introduced a new program aimed at early detection and treatment of breast cancer for female employees in the banking sector. Named “Your Health is a Commitment” (Sehetak Amana), the initiative is carried out in partnership with the Baheya Foundation. It not only provides free medical care but also includes educational seminars and additional support services. This initiative is in line with Egypt’s National Strategy for the Empowerment of Women 2030, which emphasizes improving healthcare access for women.
Ghada Tawfik, the CBE’s Governor’s Advisor for Corporate Social Responsibility, said, “The program reflects the bank’s commitment to empowering women. The CBE is placing particular emphasis on women working in the banking sector to reinforce their pivotal role in society and the economy.”
Several weeks ago, the initiative began with a pilot phase that involved conducting medical checkups for female employees of the CBE. Plans are underway to extend the program to encompass all women working in the banking sector, in collaboration with all banks operating in Egypt.
Jaylan Ahmed, CEO of the Baheya Foundation, commended the efforts of the CBE and emphasized that their collaboration marks the initial stride towards raising awareness about early breast cancer detection, potentially enhancing recovery rates to more than 98%.
The Central Bank of Egypt has embarked on an initiative aimed at bolstering corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavors, specifically focusing on healthcare. In 2023, the banking sector dedicated close to EGP 2 billion towards CSR initiatives, with a substantial portion, approximately EGP 1.1 billion, directed towards healthcare. Notably, healthcare contributions in the first half of the current year have escalated significantly to EGP 1.5 billion, marking a substantial 223.2% increase from EGP 672 million during the same period last year.
Under the sponsorship of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), the banking sector has played a crucial role in supporting the presidential initiative to decrease hospital waiting lists, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Additionally, the Baheya Foundation has conducted over 1,600 awareness seminars throughout Egypt, reaching over 60,000 women in various institutions. The opening of Baheya’s second hospital phase in Sheikh Zayed last March aims to provide healthcare services to about half a million women annually.