Egypt Without Disease Foundation for Healthcare organized today in Alexandria a wheelchair distribution ceremony as part of the second phase of its “Move… Rejoice” initiative, which aims to provide approximately 1,002 manual wheelchairs for people with disabilities across 12 governorates nationwide.
The event was attended by Dr. Amira Yasin, Deputy Governor of Alexandria; Dr. Hala Abdel Razek Gouda, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Alexandria; Dr. Hany Hamdy, Deputy Director of the Alexandria Health Affairs Directorate; MP Ehab Zakaria, Member of the Senate; Eng. Hisham Saudi, Head of the Engineers Syndicate in Alexandria and Dr. Nevine Mikhail, Board of Trustees Member of Egypt Without Disease Foundation; as well as representatives of relevant authorities and members of the initiative’s organizing team.
The initiative presents part of Egypt Without Disease Foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide integrated healthcare and community services and reach the most underserved communities. The Foundation works to identify eligible cases and accurately assess their individual needs, in cooperation and coordination with relevant authorities, to ensure that each beneficiary receives a wheelchair suited to their specific requirements.
The initiative also reflects the Foundation’s vision of a more inclusive and sustainable society, where all individuals have equal opportunities for mobility and participation. By providing appropriate mobility support, the initiative seeks to empower persons with disabilities to lead more independent lives and strengthen their ability to learn, work, contribute, and actively participate in their communities.
As part of the initiative’s preparatory phase, 45 physical therapists were trained in accurate measurement and assessment techniques to ensure that the appropriate wheelchair size and specifications are identified for each case. The preparatory phase also included raising awareness of the initiative among medical teams, collecting data on eligible cases, and coordinating with relevant authorities to facilitate the assessment and distribution processes.
These efforts build on the Foundation’s previous work in this area. During the initiative’s first phase, approximately 600 wheelchairs were provided and distributed to eligible beneficiaries across different governorates nationwide.
The “Move… Rejoice” initiative has also received the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Health and Population, and vocational rehabilitation entities. Their contribution has helped facilitate access to eligible beneficiaries and identify cases in need, strengthening the initiative’s ability to reach its target groups and provide them with appropriate support.
Dr. Nevine Mikhail, Board of Trustees Member of Egypt Without Disease Foundation, said that the “Move… Rejoice” initiative goes beyond simply providing wheelchairs, emphasizing that its primary objective is to empower persons with disabilities and give them greater opportunities for mobility, independence, and participation in society.
She explained that, since the launch of the initiative, Egypt Without Disease Foundation has been committed to conducting a thorough assessment of every case to ensure that each beneficiary receives a wheelchair that is appropriate to their individual needs.
Dr. Mikhail added that the Foundation believes healthcare is not limited to providing medical treatment, but also encompasses improving beneficiaries’ quality of life and enabling them to access services that help them lead their lives with greater independence and dignity.
She affirmed that Egypt Without Disease Foundation will continue its efforts in the coming period to implement further phases of the “Move… Rejoice” initiative and distribute wheelchairs to eligible beneficiaries.
During her speech, Dr. Amira Yasin, Deputy Governor of Alexandria, conveyed the greetings and appreciation of Eng. Ayman Attia, Governor of Alexandria, to all participants in the event.
She affirmed the Governorate’s support for every serious initiative aimed at strengthening social solidarity and serving citizens, particularly people with disabilities.
Dr. Yasin emphasized that the New Republic places people and improving their quality of life at the forefront of its priorities, stressing that supporting and empowering persons with disabilities is a shared responsibility. She also highlighted Alexandria Governorate’s continued support for meaningful efforts that serve citizens, promote community participation, and contribute to comprehensive and sustainable development.
Since the opening of the Egypt Without Disease Foundation for Healthcare branch in Alexandria, the branch has worked to expand the scope of its healthcare services and reach underserved areas.
The branch has conducted approximately 16 medical convoys, benefiting nearly 4,000 people, in addition to a medical convoy in Marsa Matrouh that provided healthcare services to approximately 200 beneficiaries.
The branch also operates a fully equipped mobile clinic featuring state-of-the-art medical equipment, including a comprehensive dental unit, an ophthalmology unit, and women’s health and internal medicine units, in addition to ECG and ultrasound equipment. The mobile clinic aims to extend healthcare services to different areas across Alexandria, including the Bahary areas.
The “Move… Rejoice” initiative is part of the range of healthcare services and community initiatives provided by Egypt Without Disease Foundation for Healthcare. These include medical convoys across different governorates, specialized clinics, dialysis centers, and neonatal intensive care units for premature infants.
The Foundation also refers cases requiring surgical intervention to hospitals following social and medical assessments for individuals who are unable to afford treatment. In addition, its programs include health awareness initiatives for adults and children, community-based initiatives, and youth training programs.
