Egypt’s Ministry of Health Establishes National Stroke Network Using A
The planned network will use AI and telestroke systems to support faster stroke diagnosis and treatment nationwide.
A national stroke network based on a hub-and-spoke model is being established in Egypt to connect ambulance services, neurology teams and radiology departments through integrated digital systems designed to support rapid stroke diagnosis and treatment.
The initiative was outlined by Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar during a high-level session organised by Siemens Healthineers on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Held under the themes ‘From Decision to Implementation’ and ‘Stroke Does Not Wait’, the session focused on improving access to time-sensitive stroke care and strengthening implementation frameworks for treatment systems.
According to Abdel Ghaffar, the network will integrate pre-hospital and in-hospital stroke pathways by linking ambulance dispatch systems with neurology services and imaging departments across central hospitals and affiliated treatment centres.
The system will use telestroke services and artificial intelligence tools to support rapid diagnosis and intervention, including in remote and underserved areas.
Abdel Ghaffar also presented global stroke data during the session, stating that stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. He said stroke incidence has increased by 70% in developing countries, which account for 87% of stroke-related deaths globally.
The minister additionally highlighted the role played in supporting a World Health Organization decision on stroke that was adopted by the WHO Executive Board in February 2026 and is expected to receive final adoption during the current World Health Assembly.
