Egypt signs MoU with World Stroke Organisation to upgrade care units

Egypt’s General Authority for Health Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR) signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) to improve stroke care in line with international quality standards, the Cabinet said on Thursday.

The agreement recognises GAHAR’s stroke accreditation framework and seeks to align it with global practices through joint training, field visits, evaluations, and awareness campaigns. It also covers research exchange and policy support to strengthen specialised stroke units.

GAHAR chairman Ahmed Taha said stroke is a major health emergency worldwide, with 12 million new cases and 6.5 million deaths annually. More than 100 million people live with the long-term effects of strokes, while one in four adults over 25 is at risk, he added.

Accrediting stroke units, Taha noted, provides a comprehensive system to ensure timely, safe care, reduce mortality and disability, and improve outcomes at hospital and national levels.

WSO President Jeyaraj Pandian said the partnership underscores the organisation’s commitment to supporting low- and middle-income countries. Building integrated care systems, strengthening neurological services and expanding awareness programmes are crucial to saving millions of lives, he said.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser