Dr. Heba El-Sewedy, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees ofAhl Masr Foundation for Development and the Ahl Masr Burns Hospital, stood at the forefront of a landmark agreement signed on May 27, 2025, between Nasser Social Bank and Ahl Masr Hospital for Burns, a pioneering institution she has championed since its inception. The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed under the auspices of Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy , marks a significant step in bolstering comprehensive care for burn victims across Egypt. Dr. El-Sewedy’s leadership in this partnership underscores her unwavering commitment to humanitarian healthcare and her vision for transforming the lives of thousands affected by burn injuries.
Visionary Leader in Humanitarian Healthcare
The MoU, signed by Dr. Ahmed Attia, Head of the Social Solidarity Sector at Nasser Social Bank, and Ms. Eman Sharif, CEO of Ahl Masr Foundation, was witnessed by Dr. Morsi, who chairs Nasser Social Bank’s Board of Directors, and Mr. Osama El-Sayed, the bank’s Vice Chairman. The agreement aims to enhance Ahl Masr Hospital’s capacity to provide free, specialized medical care to burn patients, building on a partnership that has seen Nasser Social Bank contribute over 40 million Egyptian pounds to the hospital’s operations in recent years.
Dr. El-Sewedy’s pivotal role in this collaboration reflects her decade-long dedication to addressing one of Egypt’s most pressing healthcare challenges. “We are deeply grateful for the support of Dr. Maya Morsi and Nasser Social Bank, which reflects the state’s commitment to a cause that touches thousands of families,” she said during the signing ceremony. “This MoU is a vital step toward strengthening partnerships that enable us to deliver integrated, free care to burn victims, ensuring they receive the treatment and support they deserve.”
Ahl Masr Hospital: A Legacy of Impact
Under Dr. El-Sewedy’s stewardship, Ahl Masr Foundation, established in 2013, has grown into the first nonprofit in Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa dedicated to burn treatment, research, and prevention. The foundation’s flagship project, Ahl Masr Hospital in New Cairo, officially opened in March 2024 and is now the largest facility of its kind in the region, with 201 beds across 45,245 square meters. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the hospital features specialized units for emergency care, intensive care for adults and children, neonatal incubators, and research centers focused on advancing burn treatment and prevention strategies.
Since its opening, the hospital has served over 8,000 burn patients, including 6,500 children, and handled 2,516 emergency cases, a testament to Dr. El-Sewedy’s vision of creating a regional hub for compassionate, high-quality care. Her leadership has ensured that the hospital provides not only medical treatment but also holistic support, including physical rehabilitation, psychological care, and nutritional programs tailored to each patient’s needs.
Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact
Dr. El-Sewedy emphasized that the partnership with Nasser Social Bank is a cornerstone of Ahl Masr’s mission to save lives. “Collaboration with state institutions like Nasser Social Bank is fundamental to achieving our humanitarian goals,” she stated. The MoU includes provisions for media campaigns and awareness seminars for bank employees and clients, aimed at educating the public on preventing domestic and industrial burn accidents and the importance of proper first aid in emergencies. These initiatives, spearheaded by Dr. El-Sewedy, are designed to reduce the incidence of burns, which affect approximately 500,000 Egyptians annually, half of whom are children.
Dr. El-Sewedy’s strategic vision extends beyond this partnership. Under her leadership, Ahl Masr has forged alliances with regional and international organizations, including a recent agreement with the Arab League to enhance support for burn victims across the region and a collaboration with the “Make-A-Wish” foundation to uplift pediatric patients. These efforts highlight her ability to build coalitions that amplify the hospital’s impact.
Model for Sustainable Healthcare
The MoU with Nasser Social Bank aligns with Egypt’s sustainable development goals, a priority Dr. El-Sewedy has consistently championed. “This partnership is not just about financial support; it’s about creating a sustainable model for healthcare that prioritizes the most vulnerable,” she said. By combining resources, expertise, and public awareness, Dr. El-Sewedy is ensuring that Ahl Masr Hospital remains a beacon of hope for burn victims, offering them a chance at recovery and reintegration into society.
The partnership with Nasser Social Bank, driven by Dr. El-Sewedy’s vision, promises to transform the lives of burn victims, reinforcing Egypt’s commitment to equitable healthcare. As she aptly stated, “Every life we save is a testament to the power of collective action.” With her at the helm, Ahl Masr Hospital is poised to continue its life-changing mission, offering hope and healing to thousands.
