MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Dear Participants,

It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you all in Egypt to attend the XIXth Regional Congress of the ISBT, Eastern Mediterranean & Europe. Cairo is a very good choice for this meeting due to several reasons including; many historical attractions to visit, beautiful weather, luxurious hotels, great food, and friendly people.

The Ministry of Health & Population in Egypt has taken major steps in upgrading and restructuring the blood transfusion services to match and support other health services in the country. The national blood policy, plan, and standards are already implemented and monitored. The national blood donor program is progressing towards 100% voluntary non remunerated regular donation and phasing out family replacement donations. The blood services under MOH&P is already centralized and working according to the national policy.

I’m sure that this very prestigious event will enhance the blood services even more in Egypt and in the neighboring countries in the Middle East.

I wish you all a fruitful meeting and enjoyable stay in our beautiful capital Cairo.

Prof. Hatem El-Gabaly
Minister of Health & Population, Egypt