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Name: AHMED Roba Samy Elsaid, Ms
Position: Head of Neonatal ICU Administration, Central Administration for Critical and Urgent Care, Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt
Program Title: Maternal and Neonatal Health and Clinical Care
Duration: September 16th – October 29th, 2025
JICA Kansai, in partnership with Takatsuki General Hospital offers a training program on “Maternal and Neonatal Health and Clinical Care.”
Through this program, participants—including government officials, obstetricians, neonatologists, and nurses—gain firsthand knowledge and develop practical action plans to enhance the quality of care and services for mothers and newborns. After returning to their home countries, they put these plans into action within their own organizations, contributing to improved healthcare on the ground.
In 2025, Ms. Roba from Egypt took part in this training. We are delighted to share her report on the initiatives she has implemented since completing the program.
Contributing to the Advancement of Neonatal Healthcare in Egypt Through Insights Gained from the JICA KCCP
The knowledge and experience I acquired through the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program on “Maternal and Neonatal Health and Clinical Care,” conducted in cooperation with Takatsuki General Hospital, have had a great influence on my work since returning to Egypt.
The action plan I developed focused on two major objectives: establishing a standardized national system for neonatal care categorization across Egypt and promoting Family-Centered Care (FCC) practices within neonatal services.
I am pleased to report that substantial progress has been made toward these goals. Furthermore, in my current role at the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), I am actively contributing to national efforts aimed at strengthening neonatal services.
I would like to introduce our main initiatives and achievements.
- Supporting the development and implementation of a national framework for categorizing Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) according to their level of care and capabilities, with the objective of improving regionalization of care and ensuring that newborns receive treatment in facilities appropriate to their needs.
- Participating in the planning and coordination of training activities for healthcare professionals involved in neonatal care, with a focus on standardization of practices, referral pathways, quality improvement, and capacity building.
- Advocating for and promoting Family-Centered Care principles, including Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), breastfeeding support, parental engagement, and the incorporation of psychosocial support into neonatal services.
- Contributing to initiatives aimed at improving neonatal outcomes through better governance, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practices.
- Facilitating knowledge transfer by sharing lessons learned from Japan with colleagues and decision-makers within the Egyptian healthcare system, thereby encouraging the adaptation of successful Japanese experiences to our local context.
- Serving as a co-author of the National Patient Safety Guideline for Neonatal Units in Egypt, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), to establish standardized patient safety practices and strengthen the quality of neonatal. I am sharing a QR code that provides access to the National Patient Safety Guideline for Neonatal Units in Egypt. I hope these materials provide a tangible illustration of how the knowledge and experience gained through the JICA training program have been translated into practical actions and national-level initiatives aimed at improving maternal and neonatal healthcare in Egypt.
Simulation-based training for neonatal resuscitation
Clinical bedside training in newborn care
QR Code for the Patient Safety Guide in the Neonatal Unit
In addition, I was honored to be part of the launch of the National Midwifery Program in Egypt under the umbrella of the "First 1000 Golden Days" Initiative, led by H.E. Dr. Abla El-Alfy, Deputy Minister of Health, and Population for Population Affairs. The program aims to strengthen maternal and newborn health services through enhancing the role of midwives and promoting high-quality, family-centered care across the country.
I had the privilege of participating in high-level national planning meetings with the Ministry of Health and Population and UNICEF Egypt regarding the development and implementation of a comprehensive national training strategy for neonatal care across all Egyptian governorates. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare workers' competencies, improve neonatal outcomes, reduce neonatal mortality, and enhance the quality of care provided to newborns throughout the country.
My experience in Japan broadened my perspective and significantly strengthened my leadership skills, while continuing to influence both the development of my professional field and efforts to improve maternal and neonatal health in Egypt.
I was deeply inspired by Japan’s values of mutual respect, teamwork, punctuality, and its compassionate, family-centered approach to healthcare. These principles continue to shape my daily practice and efforts to enhance healthcare services.
I sincerely believe that this experience has served as a key catalyst for the positive changes currently taking place in neonatal care in Egypt.
I will continue to contribute to the advancement of neonatal healthcare in Egypt, while further strengthening the collaboration with JICA and Takatsuki General Hospital.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to JICA, Takatsuki General Hospital, and all those involved in this program for their continued support, guidance, and encouragement.
Meeting at AIN SHAMS University with the Deputy Minister of Health and Population to promote maternal, newborn, and child health
Stakeholder meeting on strengthening neonatal health services