Egypt has launched a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about sudden cardiac death and improve the country's emergency healthcare response through widespread training in the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The campaign, unveiled on Sunday, reflects a coordinated effort by the Ministries of Health and Youth and Sports to prevent cardiac-related fatalities and build community-based resilience. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held at the Olympic Center in Maadi, Cairo, attended by Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy, senior healthcare officials, and leading cardiologists. "This initiative represents a critical step forward in preventing sudden cardiac arrests within the community," said Abdel Ghaffar, noting that an estimated 55,000 people in Egypt die each year from sudden cardiac arrest, with around 20% of these cases caused by ventricular fibrillation. He emphasized that timely intervention with an AED can raise survival rates to over 90%. The initiative includes training personnel across government institutions and youth centers, equipping them with the skills needed to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. Abdel Ghaffar also announced the development of a mobile application to provide users with step-by-step guidance on using AEDs, performing CPR, and responding to emergencies. Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy underscored the importance of integrating AEDs and trained responders into sports venues across the country. "We must ensure that all sports clubs and federations implement regular emergency response training programmes, especially during athletic competitions," he said. As part of the broader strategy, the initiative also includes mandatory routine and specialized medical screenings for athletes to detect potential heart conditions before they escalate. Mohamed Sobhy, president of the Scientific Foundation for Cardiology and Arteries, praised the initiative for reflecting "a comprehensive scientific approach to reducing mortality from cardiac arrest." He noted that the programme is in line with international best practices and includes a strong emphasis on training and deploying AEDs in public areas. Hazem Khamis, head of the medical committee at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighted the critical importance of AED accessibility, stating that "having defibrillators available in public spaces during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can be the difference between life and death." The initiative has received strong support from both public and private sectors, including the Egyptian Red Crescent, the Scientific Foundation for Cardiology, sports clubs such as Wadi Degla, and multiple athletic federations. Together, these partners aim to foster a culture of preparedness and ultimately reduce preventable deaths from sudden cardiac events.
