Problem: Evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM) is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals and universal health coverage. The translation of evidence into effective health care practice relies on high-quality guidelines, such as the World Health Organization's (WHO), but direct adoption is challenging due to diverse contexts. In Egypt, the absence of a national guideline program led to variations in health care practices, poor patient safety, and poor overall quality of care.
Approach: In response to Egypt's Minister of Health and Population's request, WHO collaborated with stakeholders to establish a national guideline development and adaptation program. A mission and a situational analysis were conducted by WHO.
Local Setting: Challenges identified included low private sector engagement and technical capacity gaps, but strengths included high political demand and existing accreditation systems. Key stakeholders involved were the Ministry of Health, Egyptian Health Council, and the General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes.
Relevant Changes: Proposed solutions, including capacity building and a national roadmap, significantly impacted Egypt's national guideline program. Stakeholders' roles were clarified, fostering a unified approach to guideline development, improving awareness and knowledge, and leading to better health outcomes.
Lessons Learned: Involving stakeholders from diverse sectors ensured comprehensive insights. The program maximized benefits from the WHO collaboration through a 3-tier engagement at the country, regional, and headquarters level. Challenges included reliance on international experts, resource accessibility, and frequent internal mobility.
Way Forward: The way forward requires continued monitoring, evaluation, sustained funding, and stakeholder engagement. Sharing experiences globally can contribute to establishing national guideline programs and improving health care systems regionally and beyond.