UN Egypt delegation visits Ahl Masr Burns Hospital

Cairo – A UN delegation visited Ahl Masr Burn Hospital in New Cairo to explore its groundbreaking model of providing free-of-charge, comprehensive medical care to burn patients. During their visit, the delegation praised the hospital’s exceptional quality of medical and psychological care, its integration of advanced medical technologies, and its holistic approach to addressing both the physical and psychological needs of patients.

Touring the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, the delegation lauded its commitment to implementing innovative treatment strategies that align with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. This adherence to international protocols not only ensures patient safety but also participates in elevating the quality of healthcare services provided. Special attention was given to the hospital’s psychological rehabilitation programs, which play a crucial role in reintegrating burn survivors into society. 

The delegation included prominent representatives such as Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt; Dr. Nima Saeed Abid, WHO Representative in Egypt; Mr. Eric Oechslin, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Cairo Office; Dr. Samir Hadji Abdoulaye, Chief Migration Health Officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM); Ms. Marwa AlamEldin, Head of Programmes UN Women Egypt; and Ms. Sally Zohney,  Gender Specialist at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 

Dr. Heba El-Swedy, Founder and Chairwoman of the Ahl Masr Burn Hospital and Foundation, welcomed the delegation alongside Ms. Eman Sherif, CEO of Ahl Masr Foundation, Mr. Hussein Othman, CEO of Ahl Masr Burn Hospital, and Mr. Rifaat Abdel Maksoud, Chief Operations Officer of Ahl Masr Burn Hospital.

“Ahl Masr Burn Hospital has made remarkable progress in providing advanced healthcare for burn patients, especially through its focus on psychological care and social reintegration, which aligns seamlessly with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030,” remarked Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt. “We are eager to strengthen our partnership with the hospital to further enhance community support and resilience.”

“This hospital stands as a distinguished example of advanced and holistic healthcare, not only in Egypt but across the Arab world and Africa,” said Dr. Nima Saeed Abid, WHO Representative in Egypt. “Its innovative and inclusive care model, combined with its dedication to raising public awareness about burn prevention and providing continuous professional training for medical personnel, is truly commendable.”

“We deeply appreciate the recognition of our efforts by the UN’s delegation and warmly welcome opportunities for collaboration with its various agencies. These efforts reinforce our commitment to realizing the 'Humanity Burn Free' initiative by raising awareness about burn risks, providing comprehensive treatment, and ensuring the successful reintegration of survivors into society”, said Dr. Heba El-Sweedy, Founder and Chairwoman of the Ahl Masr Burn Hospital and Foundation.

“Ahl Masr Burn Hospital plays a pivotal role in transforming lives, and we at the International Labour Organization are committed to supporting burn survivors by equipping them with skills and job opportunities to help them become productive contributors to society,” said Mr. Eric Oechslin, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Cairo Office. Ms. Marwa AlamEldin, Head of Programmes UN Women Egypt added, “We are optimistic about the potential for a partnership with Ahl Masr Burn Hospital to further its humanitarian mission of saving lives and empowering survivors.”

Since its inauguration in March, Ahl Masr Burn Hospital has treated over 5,000 burn patients, including 1,613 emergency cases and 157 patients in adult and pediatric intensive care units. The hospital has also provided post-operative psychological rehabilitation services, ensuring survivors are supported in their journey to reintegration.

The Ahl Masr Foundation and Burn Hospital continue to work tirelessly to raise public awareness about the dangers of burn and their consequences, striving to build a more informed and safer society.

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