Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives pledges an additional AED220 million to Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, bringing total contributions to AED 320 million
A new medical complex at Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre in Cairo (a member of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work) will be named in honor of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in recognition of the continuous support and generous AED220 million contribution from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). This latest contribution, bringing MBRGI’s total support for Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation to AED320 million, reflects the longstanding and solid relations between the UAE and Egypt, and is part of the UAE’s unwavering commitment and continuous approach to providing development support across various vital sectors to the advancement and stability of communities in the two nations.
The expansion will significantly increase the Centre’s capacity to 120,000 outpatients and 12,000 surgeries annually, ultimately serving a total of 132,000 in-patients and out-patients each year. The new complex will include a fully integrated main centre featuring 5 operating rooms, 5 cardiac catheterization labs, a diagnostic and imaging centre, as well as 300 beds and 36 outpatient clinics. The centre also aims to triple the number of graduates from its training programs, reaching a total of 2,625, by training 1,750 new healthcare specialists each year.
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said “UAE leadership is committed to supporting organizations engaged in charitable and humanitarian work. Professor Magdi Yacoub is a distinguished Arab medical humanitarian symbol, and we are pleased to collaborate with his pioneering humanitarian projects. Expanding the capacity of Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre will help meet the growing needs of cardiovascular patients in Egypt and neighboring countries, enabling the centre to serve more than 132,000 patients annually, both locally and internationally. Additionally, it will facilitate the performance of 12,000 heart surgeries for children and adults free of charge, and provide training for 1,750 new healthcare specialists.”
Professor Magdi Yacoub expressed his deep gratitude for MBRGI’s support, commending the UAE leadership for their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare both regionally and globally. “This generous contribution enables the centre to expand in order to meet the growing demand for cardiovascular surgeries and provide the highest level of healthcare to patients. I commend the positive role the UAE plays in providing continuous support both regionally and globally to significantly impact communities. This new support will bring about a transformative change in the centre’s capacity to expand, offering renewed hope to heart patients in the region, particularly children with congenital conditions. It will also contribute to reducing the mortality rates caused by heart diseases, which are among the highest globally.” he stated.
Dr. Magdy Ishak, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation (a member of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work), “We deeply appreciate MBRGI’s impactful support as it will contribute significantly to enhance both the quality and capacity of care provided by the Centre. The funds will equip five new operating theatres, five cardiac catheterization labs, and a cutting-edge diagnostic and imaging centre, while also expanding clinical services. These additions will allow the centre to serve a larger patient base, particularly newborns in need of specialized care for congenital heart conditions. Furthermore, the investment will bolster critical research efforts, advancing the shared mission of Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation and MBRGI to offer hope and improve lives.”
Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre focuses on pioneering treatments for complex heart diseases, congenital conditions, and other prevalent health challenges in the developing world. The centre also aspires to become a global leader in cardiovascular medicine, research, and innovation. This ambitious vision aims to offer hope and healing to all in need, regardless of their location, social standing, or economic circumstances.
Cardiovascular disease is considered the leading cause of non-communicable deaths, claiming an estimated 1.5 million lives annually in Africa alone. Many deaths are preventable with access to well-equipped facilities and qualified professionals. In Egypt, cardiovascular disease accounts for 40% of all deaths. There are 18,000 new cases of congenital heart disease annually, and while 15,000 of these cases are treatable, the current capacity of healthcare providers can only accommodate 3,000 cases.
To face these types of threats in the field of cardiology and heart surgery free of charge to the underprivileged and less fortunate both in Egypt and beyond, the Aswan Heart Centre was founded in 2009 by Professor Magdi Yacoub. The medical team works daily at the Aswan Heart Centre and is preparing to begin operations soon at Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre (a member of the National Alliance for Developmental Action) in Cairo, to assist and treat individuals suffering from heart diseases or congenital abnormalities, particularly children.
