Following the conflict in Sudan in April 2023, activities planned for that country had to be halted. Consequently, the need arose for a new strategic partner to facilitate the development of the prototype of the MENA Health Country Profile (MHCP-t) tool in the region. The Badr University of Cairo (BUC) has been selected as the latest addition to the MENA Migrant Health project consortium.
Professor Adel Abdelkhalek Sayed Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Badr University in Cairo, emphasized the importance of the research conducted under the MENA Migrant Health project. “The insights and evidence-based knowledge generated greatly benefit our institution,” he stated. “It enhances our understanding of the health challenges faced by migrant populations, informs our practices, and enables us to develop targeted interventions and policies to address their health needs effectively.”
Egypt has been strategically chosen as the project’s implementation site in the region due to its stability despite serving as a significant hub for migratory flows, owing to its borders with Gaza, Sudan, and Libya. Additionally, Egypt is home to regional offices of key organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Health Organization (WHO), facilitating a solid network of partners. Notably, the IOM operates a direct migrant healthcare centre in the country, with which the project will collaborate through the IOM’s Medical Health Assessment Center (MHAC).
While BUC has joined as a new partner, the project will uphold its partnership with the University of Gezira, in Sudan. The two doctoral students from Sudan will continue to be enrolled in the project’s PhD program, ensuring continuity and collaboration across institutions.
