The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States has formalised a memorandum of cooperation with the Ahl Masr Foundation for Development, marking a significant step towards enhancing humanitarian support, facilitating the foundation’s mission, and fostering collaboration with relevant entities.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and Dr. Heba El-Suwaidi, Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Ahl Masr Foundation and Hospital for Burn Treatment, alongside senior officials from the League’s General Secretariat.
The partnership underscores the League’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in addressing pressing humanitarian and health challenges, particularly burn treatment—an often-overlooked yet critical issue in the Arab world. The agreement also aims to secure sustainable support for Ahl Masr Hospital for Burn Treatment, the first of its kind dedicated to providing specialised care for burn victims.
Following his visit to the hospital, Secretary-General Aboul Gheit expressed profound admiration, stating that what he witnessed exceeded all expectations. “This is not merely a hospital; it is a humanitarian institution that sets a new benchmark in healthcare,” he remarked.
Mr. Aboul Gheit said that the establishment of this world-class facility, funded entirely through donations and built by Egyptian expertise, is a testament to Arab capability in driving meaningful change. He reaffirmed the General Secretariat’s support for sustainable institutions that redefine social responsibility, calling upon public and private stakeholders—both institutional and individual—to view healthcare investment as an investment in the well-being of future generations.
In his remarks, Engineer Ibrahim Mahlab, former Prime Minister of Egypt and Honorary President of the Ahl Masr Foundation for Development, highlighted the profound impact of this initiative. “What is happening here is not just the provision of medical care; it is a true embodiment of humanity and unwavering dedication. Working with a spirit of unity and faith proves that the impossible can indeed be achieved,” he affirmed.
Dr. El-Sewedy highlighted that the agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation among regional organisations in the healthcare sector. She noted that the support extended by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States stresses its deep commitment to the Foundation’s mission of delivering high-quality, free-of-charge medical services to burn patients.
Dr. El-Sewedy further explained that this collaboration is poised to alleviate the suffering of burn patients across the Arab region. This comes at a critical juncture as preparations are underway for the hospital’s second phase of development, which includes expanding the intensive care unit to 50 rooms, adding a neonatal incubator, and establishing a dedicated scientific research centre for the study and treatment of burns, alongside the creation of 80 intermediate care and inpatient rooms.
A delegation from the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, led by Secretary-General Aboul Gheit, recently toured the Ahl Masr Burn Hospital. During the visit, the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the specialised medical services provided by the hospital and lauded the pivotal role the Foundation plays in saving lives and delivering comprehensive healthcare.
Accompanying His Excellency the Secretary-General were Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Office of the Secretary-General; Minister Plenipotentiary Nada Al-Ajery, Director of the Department of Sustainable Development and International Cooperation; Counsellor Maysaa Al-Hidmi, Director of the Department of Health and Humanitarian Aid; Counsellor Abu Bakr Mansour, Head of Legal and Administrative Affairs; and Counsellor Anisa Rabet, Media Officer for the Secretary-General.
Since its opening in March 2024, the Ahl Masr Burns Hospital has made a significant impact, having successfully treated over 8,000 burn patients, including 6,500 children. In addition, the hospital has admitted 2,516 patients to its emergency department and 244 patients to its adult and pediatric intensive care units, while performing more than 4,000 surgeries—2,200 of which were on children.
