Heba El Sewedy has been recognised by the World Health Organization with the Director-General’s Award at the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, honouring her contributions to advancing burn care services in Egypt.
As founder and chair of the Ahl Masr Foundation and its specialised burn hospital, Heba El Sewedy has played a central role in transforming treatment outcomes for severe burn patients through integrated medical care, rehabilitation, and innovation-driven healthcare delivery.
According to the World Health Organization, the Ahl Masr Burn Hospital has significantly improved survival rates for critical burn cases, increasing outcomes from 20 percent to 84 percent, while also reducing long-term disability associated with burn injuries to around 10 percent.
Established in 2024, the hospital is regarded as the first and largest free specialised burn treatment facility in Africa and the Middle East, with a capacity of 60 beds and advanced medical capabilities including natural skin graft procedures.
The institution is also collaborating with national health authorities on telemedicine initiatives aimed at extending specialised burn care access across Egypt’s governorates.
Heba El Sewedy noted that the recognition reflects global appreciation of efforts to build an integrated system for treatment and rehabilitation of burn victims, while supporting broader healthcare development in the region through long-term strategic partnerships and policy-driven care models today.
WHO Awards Heba El Sewedy for Burn Care Impact Excellence Egypt
