The EFG Foundation for Social Development (EFG Foundation), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that supports sustainable, high-impact development initiatives to assist local underprivileged communities, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Bank NXT Foundation, Kaf Insurance, and Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation to support the training and qualification of nurses in the treatment center affiliated with the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation at the Aswan Heart Centre (AHC). This initiative falls under the EFG Foundation’s Disease Prevention pillar, specifically within its Healthcare Education sub-pillar, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving community well-being.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, It is also a continuation of the EFG Foundation’s last year’s partnership with the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation to support the AHC nurse fellowship program. The fellowship is a highly regarded training program for nurses in Egypt. Each year, 70 nurses from five universities across Egypt are selected for intensive training in quality cardiac care, utilizing interdisciplinary and participatory methods. The program boasts an impressive retention rate of 80%, with many graduates securing full-time positions at AHC and others advancing their careers in hospitals nationwide.
Mona Zulficar, Chairperson of EFG Holding and the EFG Foundation, stated:
“We are proud to renew our collaboration with the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation and welcome Kaf Insurance as a new partner in this impactful initiative. Investing in healthcare education is fundamental in enhancing medical services for Egyptian communities.”
Hanaa Helmy, Group Chief Sustainability Officer of EFG Holding and CEO of the EFG Foundation, added: “Training and qualifying medical professionals is a key priority for us. By empowering nurses with essential skills, we contribute to a sustainable healthcare system that benefits countless patients.”
Tarek Kabil, Chairman of Bank NXT and the Bank NXT Foundation, said: “At Bank NXT Foundation, we are committed to supporting the health and education sectors. We are pleased to extend our partnership with the EFG Foundation and the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation for the second year in a row. Our shared goal is to improve patient care for people with cardiovascular disease, with an emphasis on empowering nurses by investing in the development of their skills and expertise. As frontline caregivers, they are crucial in disease prevention, health education, and emergency response. we aim to enhance patient outcomes, elevate the standard of care, and make a lasting impact on the healthcare system. Ultimately, such investments lead to a healthier population, lower healthcare costs, and stronger, more resilient communities.
Youssef Shokeir, Deputy CEO of Kaf Insurance, stated: “Kaf Insurance is honored to participate in this meaningful collaboration. Supporting the training and development of nurses is an investment in the future of healthcare in Egypt, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care.”
Dina El Gazzar, VP for Development and Fundraising at the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, stated: “Our partnership with the EFG Foundation reinforces our shared commitment to training a generation of young nurses to the highest international standards, with the aim of improving medical care, saving the lives of cardiovascular patients, and contributing to building a healthier future for communities in Egypt.”
The advanced training program follows global best practices and includes practical and theoretical learning. It aims to support newly graduated nurses transitioning from novices to specialized cardiovascular nurses through mentorship, interdisciplinary rounds, self-learning modules, and workshops. This collaboration aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
The EFG Foundation for Social Development abides by an integrated sustainable development approach, working through partnerships with the Egyptian government and local civil society in the villages of Upper Egypt. The EFG Foundation cooperates with stakeholders, from identifying needs, to handing over projects to beneficiaries under the auspices of the relevant government agencies. Through this approach, the EFG Foundation continues to leave a lasting positive imprint on the governorates of Upper Egypt.
