Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, witnessed the launch of the “Care Economy” initiative, organized by “Sera Care”. The initiative, which brings together government leaders and private sector representatives, aims to develop the care sector in Egypt through massive investments targeting sustainable development and supporting the most vulnerable groups.
Definition of the Care Economy and Its Global Economic Impact
In his speech, the Minister of Health explained that the care economy includes all activities related to providing care for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, in addition to healthcare and home services. He noted that this sector contributes approximately $11 trillion annually globally, making it a cornerstone of modern economies.
He added that Egypt has a significant opportunity to expand this sector, especially in light of demographic changes such as rising life expectancy and increasing demand for care services.
Challenges and the Role of Women in the Care Economy
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar pointed out that women in Egypt provide the vast majority of unpaid care, spending between 4 to 5 hours daily on these tasks, compared to men. He emphasized that narrowing the gender gap in this field could enhance women’s role in the economy and provide wide job opportunities.
Sera Care Initiative and Its Role in Developing Healthcare
“Sera Care” launched several programs to improve the quality of healthcare services, in line with Egypt Vision 2030. The initiative aims to focus on preventive care and reduce the burden on hospitals by offering innovative solutions and partnerships with local and international institutions.
In this context, 13 memoranda of understanding were signed with international educational institutions and vocational training providers to develop the necessary human resources.
Job Opportunities and Support for Youth and Women
Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, confirmed that Egypt has a workforce exceeding 31 million people, positioning the country for a significant economic transformation. The initiative provides new job opportunities, especially in childcare and elderly care, enhancing the participation of women and youth in the local and international labor market.
Government Cooperation to Enhance Community Care
For her part, Dr. Maya Morsi, Minister of Social Solidarity, praised the importance of the care economy in achieving the well-being of Egyptian society. She affirmed that the initiative would improve the lives of the most vulnerable groups, highlighting the cooperation between various ministries to drive development in this sector.