‘Angels’ Initiative is Launched to Deliver Medical Education on Stroke Management at University Hospitals

Within the framework of providing effective medical care to stroke patients, the ‘Angels’ initiative has been launched at various university hospitals across Egypt. Introduced as a new educational programme for stroke management, the programme is being conducted in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Universities and the Egyptian Society of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery. Held under the theme ‘Giving Life a Second Chance in Egypt’, the Angels programme aims to train and educate physicians and medical professionals about stroke management and save patients from death or the possibility of a lifelong disability. 

Created by Boehringer Ingelheim – one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies – the Angels initiative offers online medical lectures from leading specialists and experts in the field of stroke management, its diagnosis and treatment. Accredited by the European Stroke Federation and the American Association of Continuing Medical Education, the course comprises bimonthly lectures over 12 months. Participating students receive certification upon completion of the programme.
The Angels programme incorporates the output of specialist stroke centres to improve the quality and standards of stroke management at university hospitals. It also contributes to the support and development of the teams within these centres and, upon completion, participating centres will receive ESO/ANGELS certification.

Professor Hossam Abdel Ghafar, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, said: “Such innovative medical educational programmes as the Angels initiative serve as an important foundation in the partnership between the public and private sectors to support the growth of the healthcare industry and improve health services nationwide. We hope that this initiative will contribute to educating physicians and healthcare professionals on the latest stroke protocols, especially given that stroke is one of the main causes of disability and death across the world. Through its holistic approach to stroke management and in line with university hospitals’ commitment to patient-centric care, this initiative will support enhanced physician education, training, and research for healthcare providers across Egypt.”

Professor Maged Abdel-Nusair, Head of the Neurology Department at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, and President of the Egyptian Society of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, said: “To remain up-to-date with the latest global medical advances and progressive educational methods, it is vital that we invest in our newly graduated medical professionals. University hospitals play an integral role in Egypt’s healthcare landscape and this programme encourages medical experts in these institutions to participate and to share their vast array of knowledge and expertise with their junior peers.”

Professor Hany Aref, Head of the Neurology Department at Aim Shams University and General Secretary and Chair of Stroke Chapter stated: “Stroke is one of the most urgent medical conditions that can affect a person’s ability to live normally, especially in Egypt, where recent statistics show that the prevalence of stroke in the country is high at 963 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this health condition is one of the main reasons that we have invested a great deal of effort and research into this initiative.”

Dr. Hussam Salah, Professor of Neurology and Faculty of Medicine at Kasr Al-Aini and Secretary General of the Thrombosis Division of the Egyptian Society of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery stated: “Slow response times and poor knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms and appropriate treatments are all possible causes of death and disability following stroke. At the Egyptian Society of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, we are dedicated to the development of the stroke care system by fostering the best standards of practice to increase stroke knowledge among health professionals throughout the country. Through this partnership with public and private organisations, we aim to ensure that all stroke patients, survivors and their families, are provided with high quality long-term support.”

Dr. Mohamed Meshref, Regional Medical and Regulatory Director at Boehringer Ingelheim Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said: “At Boehringer Ingelheim, we believe in the importance of cooperation between public and private sectors for the development of more accredited centres in Egypt to save the lives of thousands of patients across the country. Through the Angels initiative, we aim to achieve our goals of using innovative global tools to contribute to the development of stroke treatment units, dealing with patients according to international standards, and improving the quality of care. Furthermore, we are committed to supporting the Egyptian government in their attempts to relieve the burden of stroke, promote advanced medical education and ultimately contribute to the advancement of healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of patients across Egypt.”

Ends

About Boehringer Ingelheim
Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.
As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of 19 billion euros. Our significant investment of almost 3.5 billion euros in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.
We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.
More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com or in our annual report http://annualreport.boehringer-ingelheim.com.