WHO Honours Heba El Sewedy for Burn Care Work in Egypt

The World Health Organization honoured Egyptian physician Heba El Sewedy, founder and chair of the Ahl Masr Foundation and Burn Hospital, with the Director-General’s Award at the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The ceremony was attended by international health officials alongside Khaled Abdel Ghaffar. According to the World Health Organization, Ahl Masr Foundation and its affiliated Ahl Masr Burn Hospital contributed to increasing survival rates among critical burn patients from 20% to 84%, while reducing permanent disability linked to burn injuries to approximately 10%.

The hospital, inaugurated in 2024, is described as the first and largest free specialised burn treatment facility in Africa and the Middle East, operating with a capacity of 60 beds.

According to the organisation, it is also the first hospital in Egypt to perform natural skin graft procedures for burn patients.

The hospital is currently working with the Ministry of Health on a telemedicine model aimed at expanding specialised burn care services across Egypt’s governorates.

Heba El Sewedy stated that the award reflects international recognition of the institution’s work in providing integrated medical and rehabilitation services for burn victims.

Ahl Masr is also collaborating with the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, and the Egyptian Health Council on a national strategy focused on burn treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation over the coming decade.

El Sewedy has previously received international recognition including the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice, alongside honours from the Arab League for humanitarian work.