In a moment of profound pride for Egypt, the World Health Organization has officially honoured Egyptian physician Heba El Sewedy. As the visionary founder and chair of the Ahl Masr Foundation and Burn Hospital, El Sewedy was presented with the prestigious Director-General’s Award during the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The high-profile ceremony saw international health officials gather alongside Khaled Abdel Ghaffar to witness this milestone. The World Health Organization highlighted the life-changing impact of the Ahl Masr Foundation and its affiliated hospital, noting their success in skyrocketing survival rates for critical burn patients from a mere 20% to an incredible 84%. Furthermore, the foundation has been instrumental in reducing permanent disability linked to burn injuries to approximately 10%.
Inaugurated in 2024, the hospital stands as a beacon of hope—it is the first and largest free specialised burn treatment facility across Africa and the Middle East, operating with a sophisticated 60-bed capacity.
Innovation remains at the heart of the institution, as the WHO noted it is the first hospital in Egypt to perform natural skin graft procedures for burn patients. Looking toward the future, the hospital is currently partnering with the Ministry of Health on a pioneering telemedicine model designed to expand specialised burn care services across all of Egypt’s governorates.
Reflecting on the achievement, Heba El Sewedy stated that the award serves as international recognition of the institution’s dedication to providing integrated medical and rehabilitation services for burn victims.
The journey continues as Ahl Masr collaborates with the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, and the Egyptian Health Council on a comprehensive national strategy. This roadmap focuses on burn treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation over the coming decade.
This latest accolade joins a storied list of honours for El Sewedy, who has previously received the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice, as well as high-level recognition from the Arab League for her humanitarian work.
