The Egyptian health map: a guide for evidence-based decisionmaking

Background

The Egyptian health system is characterized by the multiple entities in charge of service regulation, financing and provision. Moreover, health outcomes in Egypt mirror epidemiologic transition; increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and persistent high levels of selected communicable diseases (CDs) place a huge financial burden on the health system's limited resources. This together with financial inefficiencies aggravate inequality in health services coverage and health outcomes.

Aims

We aimed to map and link health services with key health outcomes to support efficient utilization of scarce resources and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Methods

Data on health services and health outcomes were obtained from the Ministry of Health and Population and key national surveys for the year 2014. Data on health services' availability and coverage were compared in different geographical regions. Correlation analysis was used to test the relation between selected service availability indicators and mortality rates from key NCDs.

Results

There was a high coverage of key maternal and child health services. However, there was in general low achievement of national targets for service availability as well as wide geographical disparities. Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death and there was a marked reduction in the incidence of major CDs in Egypt, particularly vaccine preventable diseases.

Conclusion

Wide geographical disparities and increased burden of NCDs and their risk factors are identified as key challenges facing the healthcare system in Egypt. Priority setting in the light of these findings is crucial to support national efforts to attain health equity and UHC.

Egyptian Health Map: A Road for Evidence-Based Decision Making

Background and context: Egyptian health system is characterized by the multiple entities in charge of service regulation, financing and provision. In addition, health outcomes in Egypt mirror epidemiologic transition; with increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and persistent high levels of selected communicable diseases (CDs), which put a huge financial burden on the health system's limited resources. This together with financial inefficiencies aggravates inequality in health services coverage and health outcomes. Aim: We aimed to map and link health services with key health outcomes to support efficient utilization of scarce resources and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Program/Policy process: Data on health services and health outcomes were obtained from Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) and key national surveys. Data on health services' availability and coverage were compared in the different geographical regions. Correlation analysis was used to test “the relation” between selected service availability indicators and mortality rates from key NCDs and MMR. Outcomes: There was generally poor achievement of service availability national targets with wide geographical disparities. Cardiovascular diseases and cancers were the leading causes of death. There was a significant correlation between mortality from key NCDs and service availability indicators. Key risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity and high blood pressure are on the rise which was particularly evident among women. What was learned: Wide geographical disparities and increased burden of NCDs and their risk factors are identified as key challenges facing the health care system in Egypt. Priority setting in the light of these findings is crucial to support national efforts to attain health equity and UHC.

Outcome of low profile mesh plate in management of comminuted displaced fracture patella

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical results of using mesh plate in management of displaced comminuted fracture patella.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and October 2015, nine patients with closed displaced comminuted fracture patella were fixed using mesh plate and 2mm mini screws.

RESULTS

All fractures united after an average of 10 weeks. At final follow-up of an average 19.6 months, average postoperative Lysholm score was 89.1±4.9, and average Postoperative Böstman scale was 27.2±3.1. No hardware related complications were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Low profile mesh plate is a good option in management of comminuted fracture patella with good clinical outcome. This new surgical technique may be particularly useful in comminuted fractures when patellectomy would otherwise be considered.