CAIRO - A co-operation protocol was signed between one of Egypt's mobile phone companies, the National Heart Institute and the Heart Institute Friends Society to enhance of community development efforts in the area of health. The protocol, which is a part of an initiative launched by the company aims at examining school pupils between the ages of 12 and 16 nation-wide to check for cardiac diseases. In addition, the protocol seeks to raise health awareness in rural areas. Dr Adel el-Bana, Director of the Institute and head of the society, expressed his appreciation for the initiative saying, “The society is accompanied by medical teams comprised of ten physicians who examine thousands of children in different governorates and prescribe treatments for those diagnosed with diseases." He asserted that the protocol would contribute to the early detection of cardiac diseases in children. Hatem Dewidar, the executive manager of Vodaphone , pointed out that his company is keen on the community initiative to reach those persons in need who are deprived of basic medical services. The company will make a database that contributes to diagnosing conditions through links with the Heart Institute. He mentioned that the number of convoys of medical team reached to 12 along the year, covering governorates Marsa Matruh, Cairo, Giza, Fayoum, Beni Sueif, Sohag, Qaliubia and North of Sinai. Dewidar pointed out his company ‘s support of several non ��" governmental organisations that are concerned with those who have special needs, encouraging youth to participate in volunteering activities. He added that the number of employees participating in volunteering action has reached to 500 people. Thus the company has taken its place in the global day of volunteering under the auspices of the United Nations, which aims to create volunteering opportunities for youth to use their skills to achieve the development to their society.
