Egypt, a country known for its pyramids and ancient civilizations, is facing a public health crisis. Sanitation, lifestyle habits and limited health care access, which are all characteristics of poverty, have led to multiple diseases impacting the Egyptian population. Ischaemic heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and strokes are the prominent diseases impacting Egypt. Though these illnesses are among the top leading causes of death in Egypt, there are organizations and researchers that are successfully making a change that incorporates ending poverty.

Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD)

IHD is the leading cause of death in Egypt. Commonly known as coronary artery disease, the AHA describes it as heart damage due to narrowed heart arteries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is responsible for 129.3 deaths per 100,000 in Egypt. Poor diet and low physical activity are both factors that can cause IHD and are also caused by poverty. Low-income communities are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy lifestyles like poor nutrition and limited health care access because of financial instability.

To fight this disease and any others, poverty has to be addressed. Extending clinics to rural regions with affordable care options will help fight the problem. Community education programs will bring awareness about diseases impacting Egypt and aid prevention. To raise awareness, the Egypt Healthcare Authority and the Egyptian Society of Cardiology teamed up to start the “Discover the Undiscovered” campaign. By partnering with 45 health facilities, they have been able to bring vast awareness to this dominating disease. Not only will each of these actions help IHD victims, but it also actively combats poverty.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease has become an increasing health concern for the adult population and is high among the diseases impacting Egypt. It has become so prevalent that it is among their leading causes of death. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function.

Limited health care access and the lack of annual screenings result in most of their diagnoses occurring at severe stages. Issues due to poverty like contaminated water, limited health screenings and low health literacy have all contributed to the rise in kidney disease. Polluted water can damage kidneys over time, and the effects are more dangerous in areas where there is no proper filtration. In underdeveloped areas, there is a low health literacy and limited access to health care, which leads to a lack of health screenings, and results in the disease advancing. Clean water access, early screening and awareness programs are ways to fight poverty as well as addressing the rise of kidney disease.

The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation has begun a mission to raise awareness, gain early detection and research into kidney disease. They have successfully collaborated with other medical societies to exchange knowledge and gain expertise. These efforts have made changes to health access and ending poverty.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

Another disease that is taking hold in Egypt is liver disease, more specifically cirrhosis of the liver. According to the Mayo Clinic, cirrhosis disease causes the advanced scarring of the liver. The most likely cause of cirrhosis is typically alcohol consumption or hepatitis. Poor sanitation, lack of health care access and poor nutrition are poverty factors that have contributed to the rise of this disease. 

The Egyptian Association for Research and Training in Hepato-Gastroenterology (EARTH) aims to advance research and improve treatment for the millions of Egyptians who have liver disease. They have been able to foster research that has led to improved treatment options. EARTH has organized educational conferences with other medical organizations to exchange the latest clinical practices and innovations. They also use peer networking to communicate new knowledge and discoveries that through time leads to research findings that combats this disease. With these new efforts, they are building a stronger domestic health care system by reducing the dependence on foreign aid and making treatment more affordable and accessible. 

Stroke

Strokes are also among the diseases impacting the Egyptian population. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a stroke is a disease in which a blood clot or broken vessel prevents blood from getting to your brain. Low health literacy and financial problems that feed into poverty issues have led to treatment delays, thus the acceleration of the disease. Establishing stroke-ready hospitals in rural areas as well as adapting health care access to reasonable levels will fight strokes and poverty.

The Ain Shams Neurology is an Egyptian research department that has made progress in the research and treatment of stroke victims. Ain Shams established the first stroke units in Egypt, and it remains among the leading units in the country. It has not only been able to treat and manage patients, but the department also provides education programs for students. 

Looking Ahead

The people of Egypt face numerous health concerns. The diseases impacting Egypt are in fact poverty-linked. Fighting poverty as well as disease takes time and resources that Egypt is actively trying to find. Through this hardship, there have come many organizations that have fought to help the sick. Researchers have made substantial progress with the research of these diseases, bringing unprecedented attention and progress to Egyptian health care, and in ending poverty as well. 

– Emily Herlehy

Emily is based in Denton, TX, USAand focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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