Theodore Bilharz Research Institute Receives WHO Mission to Assess Egypt’s Efforts to Eliminate Schistosomiasis
Written by: Mie Mohamed Reda
Photography: Ahmed Magdy
As an important milestone in Egypt’s journey toward eliminating schistosomiasis and strengthening national achievements in public health, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Acting Director of the Institute and Chairman of its Board of Directors, hosted the official World Health Organization (WHO) verification mission in October 2026. The mission was tasked with assessing whether Egypt has achieved the goal of eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem.
The mission was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Omar Sabry, Secretary-General of the Institute. The visit was coordinated by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Schistosomiasis, headed by Assistant Prof. Dr. Hager Fathy Abdel Maqsoud, with the participation of Prof. Dr. Mohamed Habib, Head of the Medical Malacology Department at TBRI. This reflects the Centre’s scientific and technical role in supporting national and regional efforts to combat the disease.
The mission included representatives from the World Health Organization and the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, as well as international experts from Sudan and the Philippines. This diverse representation highlights the importance of multilateral cooperation and the exchange of expertise and experience in combating schistosomiasis and neglected tropical diseases, while supporting efforts to achieve shared public health goals.
The visit forms part of the assessment of Egypt’s progress in combating schistosomiasis. It aims to review the efforts and measures undertaken to sustain the results achieved, strengthen surveillance and prevention systems, consolidate public health gains, and ensure continued progress toward eliminating the disease as a public health problem.
The reception of the mission underscores the pivotal role played by Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, through its WHO Collaborating Centre, in supporting national efforts with specialized scientific expertise. It also highlights the importance of strengthening integration among research institutions, health authorities, and international organizations to assess progress in accordance with established standards and maximize the benefits of international expertise in this field.
Theodor Bilharz Research Institute continues to fulfill its scientific, research, and applied mission and actively contribute to national and international efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases. Through its role in supporting the public health system and advancing sustainable health development goals, the Institute remains committed to contributing to a healthier and safer future for Egyptian society.
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