Egyptian humanitarian recognised for decades of work supporting burn and trauma survivors….reports Africa News desk
Dr Heba Elsewedy from Egypt has received international recognition for her humanitarian and medical contributions after being honoured with the 2026 Director General’s Awards for Global Health during the 79th World Health Assembly.
Dr Elsewedy was recognised for her work in establishing Ahl Masr Foundation, described as the first and largest non profit organisation in the Middle East and Africa dedicated to the treatment, prevention and research of trauma and burn injuries, as well as the reintegration of survivors into society.
Through the foundation’s initiatives, thousands of patients have received life saving medical treatment, psychological support and humanitarian assistance, including people affected by the conflict in Gaza.
The recognition at the World Health Assembly comes after Dr Elsewedy was also awarded the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice 2025 by Harmony Foundation for her humanitarian leadership and efforts in helping victims rebuild their lives after trauma.
The award, presented alongside seven other honourees recognised for contributions in maternal health, women’s rights, environmental conservation and medical services, highlighted Dr Elsewedy’s long standing commitment to burn care and emergency medical support.
According to Dr Abraham Mathai, founder and chairman of the Mumbai based Harmony Foundation, Dr Elsewedy first became widely known for treating wounded civilians during the January 25 protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring uprising that eventually led to the fall of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Mathai said Dr Elsewedy later took responsibility for the treatment and care of around 4,000 burn victims across Egypt and also extended humanitarian support to people injured during the conflict in Libya.
“In 2013, El Sewedy founded the Ahl Masr Foundation, which in 2016 added the construction of the Ahl Masr Hospital, the first non profit hospital and research centre specialising in the treatment and care of burns in the Middle East and Africa,” Mathai said while presenting the award.
Accepting the honour, Dr Elsewedy said the recognition represented an important moment for burn survivors and trauma victims who had often been overlooked.
“This award recognises a long neglected cause. For decades, burn patients and survivors of these traumas have remained invisible, particularly in my country, Egypt, as well as in the Middle East and Africa,” she said.
“This recognition confirms that their suffering matters and that their healing deserves dignity, care and hope.”
Health and humanitarian organisations have praised Dr Elsewedy’s efforts in expanding specialised burn treatment, rehabilitation and research services in a region where access to trauma care remains limited.
Her work has also been recognised for inspiring younger generations to engage in humanitarian and medical service while promoting awareness and prevention related to burn injuries and trauma recovery.
