Egypt launches ‘Sports Genome' phase of national DNA project
Egypt has launched the latest phase of its National Genome Project, turning its focus to athletes as part of a broader effort to harness genetic science for health improvement and sports development, officials announced Sunday.
The announcement came during a high-level event marking the conclusion of the Sports Genome Project and the start of the 'Gene-Next' testing phase. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said the initiative represents a leap forward in preventive healthcare and personalized athletic training.
'By decoding the genetic blueprint of Egyptians, we can not only enhance athletic performance but also improve public health and reduce the burden of disease,' Abdel Ghaffar said. He was joined by the ministers of youth and sports, higher education, and senior representatives from the presidency and armed forces.
The Sports Genome Program, he added, marks a strategic shift in how Egypt approaches health and human development—leveraging DNA analysis to tailor training, nutrition, and recovery programs based on an individual's unique physiological traits.
Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy said the 'NEXT GENE' initiative opens a new chapter in Egypt's athletic development. 'It allows for the creation of personalized training plans aligned with each athlete's genetic potential, helping to prevent injuries and optimize performance from an early age,' he said.
Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour described the project as the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, with government funding of EGP 2 billion. He called it a milestone in Egypt's transition to a knowledge-based economy and a cornerstone of the country's Vision 2030 strategy.
Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din emphasized the national genome project's broader scientific significance, especially in the fight against diseases such as cancer. 'We are conducting this work with precision in collaboration with Egypt's leading universities and research institutions,' he said.
Major General Mohamed El-Gohary, Director of the Armed Forces Center for Medical Research and Regenerative Medicine, reaffirmed the military's support for the project and its ongoing role in the implementation phase of the sports genome initiative.
The event was attended by former ministers, university leaders, senior military officials, and prominent sports figures, including the president of Egypt's Paralympic Committee and the former president of Zamalek SC.
The Sports Genome Project forms a core component of Egypt's broader National Genome Initiative, which aims to build a comprehensive genetic database to support early disease detection, personalized healthcare, and performance optimization. Officials say the initiative reflects a growing shift toward data-driven, individualized approaches in both medicine and elite sport.
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Watani
3 hours ago
- Watani
Statue for Sir Magdi Yacoub
'I love Egypt and I love my work. I also love art and culture. I believe that medicine and culture are what give value to life.' The words were said by world renown Egyptian British heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub during a celebration held in Cairo in his honour by the Ministry of Culture. Hosted at the Small Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, the event was held to commemorate Sir Magdi's humanitarian and scientific career, and announce the details of a project for a statue of him. The celebration was attended by Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population; Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture; Adel al-Naggar, Governor of Giza; sculptor Essam Darwish, the statue's designer; high ranking officials from the Ministry of Culture; and a host of public figures and national icons. 'I am grateful to my beloved country, Egypt, and to everyone who contributed to this project, which I see not only as a tribute to me personally, but also as a recognition of the value of science and humanitarian work in general,' Sir Magdi said, showing his deep appreciation for this national recognition. He then elaborated on the significance of culture to the growth of peoples. 'The civilisation and growth of peoples depend primarily on culture, which includes honouring community service, science and scientific research, as well as art, because science and health are incomplete without art. Culture, with all its elements, is what gives life its true meaning.' He stressed his deep belief in the value of culture and the arts as pillars of human development, just as science and health are foundations for advancing societies. Sir Magdi said he hoped that this honour would work as a source of inspiration for every young Egyptian who aspires to leave a mark, serving humanity. For his part, Minister of Culture Dr Hano talked about what he saw as God's greatest blessings to Egypt which is 'the men who have devoted their lives to serving humanity, not only with their knowledge, but also with their hearts, and with the hope they have instilled in the lives of others. Foremost among them is Sir Magdi Yacoub, a devoted son of Egypt, who was not just a gifted physician and world-class surgeon, but a humane person in every sense of the word. He believed that medicine is not just a profession, but a message of mercy and love, and that healing comes not from knowledge alone, but also from the heart. 'We are happy to announce the project to build a statue that embodies this inspiring journey, to serve as a symbol of the values embodied by the 'King of Hearts', [a title that Egyptians have fondly bestowed on Sir Magdi] and a renewed message of inspiration for generations.' The statue of Sir Magdi has been designed by Egyptian sculptor Essam Darwish; it is part of a broader project sponsored by the Ministry of Culture to honour Egyptian icons who left a profound impact on people's hearts and contributed to building the nation. 'Young people need true role models to inspire them and guide them towards the values upon which nations are built,' the Minister of Culture stressed. 'We are thus keen to embody these figures in our cultural arenas and institutions, so that they remain present in society's memory and a living witness to what dedication and hard work can achieve.' Dr Hano concluded by extending his gratitude and appreciation to Dr Abdel-Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population; Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development; Dr Naggar, Governor of Giza, for their sincere support and cooperation in bringing this project to fruition. He also specifically thanked Sir Magdi Yacoub for the knowledge and good he has provided—and continues to provide—to the people. Dr Abdel-Ghaffar, said that Sir Magdi is a global Egyptian figure and a symbol of dedication and humanity. The projects and services he provides, especially in southern Egypt, reflect a true love for his country and its people. He also makes great efforts to support and train young doctors, ensuring the continuation of his noble career, Dr Abdel-Ghaffar said. Mohamed Abu Saada, Chairman of the National Organisation of Urban Harmony reviewed the project's details, the statue's location, and its symbolic significance. He explained that the statue will stand in Kit Kat Square in the populous Giza district of Imbaba, near the Heart [cardiac] Institute busted by thousands of patients daily, giving the statue a symbolic significance linked to Sir Magdi's life work. Artist and sculptor Essam Darwish, beaming with pride, explained that the statue will be made of bronze, 6 meters tall, and will stand on an 8-meter-high pedestal. It is expected to be completed in eight months. According to Dr Naggar, Giza Governor, the Ministry of Culture will assume the technical aspect and provide full supervision of the implementation of the statue, while the governorate of Giza will provide the necessary funding and prepare the site to host the artwork. He said the governorate planned to implement, in cooperation with the National Authority for Urban Harmony, a comprehensive development project in the area, including upgraded sidewalks, vegetation, and traffic routes. A few days ago, on 18 June, the city of Aswan which is home to the famous Magdi Yacoub Heart Center, presented Sir Magdi with the key of Aswan, in recognition of his outstanding medical and humanitarian contributions. Aswan hands its key to Sir Magdi Yacoub Watani International 23 June 2025 Comments comments Tags: Egypt Culture MinistryEkhlass AtallahEklass AtallahSir Magdi Yacoub
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
End of the line - Sports - Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly served up a breathtaking 4-4 draw against Porto but both were still ousted from the Club World Cup. You would think that any team that scores four goals in one match should win. Not in this match. You would also think that any team that led four times in a match would win. Not in this match. In the third and final group stage game in the Club World Cup being played in the US, Ahly of Egypt and Porto of Portugal played one for the ages, resulting in a thrilling 4-4 tie. But the excitement was all for naught, as on the other hand, Inter Miami of the US and Palmeiras of Brazil fought their own 2-2 draw in the same group and at the same time, which was enough for both latter teams to advance to the knockout stage. Ahly and Porto were sent home but heads were held high after their fascinating encounter. Most Egyptians missed the live action as the two games were played at 4am Cairo time. If you missed it, Ahly and Porto played one of the most entertaining games in the tournament. Ahly had leads of 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3 and yet they all evaporated as they could not escape Porto which clawed back every single time. At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday night, Ahly took the lead on 15 minutes with their first goal in the tournament. Porto gave the ball away in Ahly's end, allowing midfielder Hamdi Fathi to advance towards the box, then play in forward Wessam Abou Ali on the left who shot past goalkeeper Claudio Ramos, albeit the ball hitting the bottom of the post first. The lead was short-lived as teenage talent 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora sliced through Ahly's defence before rounding Mohamed Al-Shenawi and rifling home. Shades of Maradona. The pendulum swung back in favour of the Egyptian giants just before the interval as Fabio Vieira tripped up Zizo in the box, allowing Abou Ali to score the resulting penalty, sending Ramos the wrong way. It was the second time in the tournament that Zizo had won a penalty. The end-to-end drama continued in the second half with William Gomes curling home a delightful right-foot strike from outside the box, only for Ahly to respond immediately with a difficult Abou Ali header completing the Palestinian's hat-trick. 3-2 Ahly. Martin Anselmi's men would not be discouraged, though, and were back on terms yet again in their next attack, with Samu Aghehowa rising highest in the box to power home another header from a corner. Yet every time Porto fought back, Ahly would take the lead again as Tunisian Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane found the top corner from range with a fantastic strike. With time running out, and news filtering through of the scoreline in Florida, Pepe scored the final goal in the 89th minute following a night (or day, depending on which continent you live in) of high drama. With the two results, Palmeiras and Inter Miami finished one-two in Group A with five points each and advance to the round of 16. Porto finished third with two points, same as Ahly who finished last, losing third place on goal difference. Abou Ali's hat trick made up for his own goal scored in Ahly's second game with Palmeiras which ended 2-0 for the Brazilians in a match that was suspended for 50 minutes due to the threat of lightning. Ahly's campaign fell short of expectations, starting with a 0-0 draw with Inter Miami in their opener, one in which they could have won had they converted several golden opportunities in the first half. It was always going to be a difficult campaign for Ahly in this new Club World Cup which expanded from seven teams to 32. Even Ahly's illustrious history in this tournament and beyond were not enough to push them to the knockout stages. Ahly, founded in 1907, have won a record 45 national league titles and 39 domestic cups — another record. It qualified for the Club World Cup three times over by winning three of the last four African Champions League titles. The Egyptian giants have participated in the CWC on now 10 occasions and have won four bronze medals. Ahly have the second highest number of appearances at the Club World Cup, two behind New Zealand's Auckland City, who hold the record with 12. Though Ahly finished their CWC journey without a win, with the 4-4 classic they performed in, they can clap back at critics who questioned the wisdom of hiring a coach, Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro, just two weeks before the tournament began. The club would also insist that their offseason trades, especially for Zizo, paid off. In its previous format of just seven teams, the CWC never fully captured global interest. Played in the middle of the season during Europe's top leagues, it had the feel of an exhibition rather than a serious tournament. Imagine in the old format a team reaching the final after playing – and winning – just one game. Now, the winning team must play a total of seven games. This Club World Cup will also henceforth be held every four years instead of one. And it is to be played in the summer. The tournament is being held in the US from 14 June to 13 July, using 12 stadiums in 11 cities for 63 matches. The final will be at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the same stadium that will play host to the 2026 World Cup final. In fact, the Club World Cup will serve mainly as a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup which will be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada. While Ahly did not make it beyond the group stage there is still much cash to be had; the pot has increased tremendously. By just securing places in the tournament, the four African teams participating - Ahly, Esperance of Tunisia, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco - are each guaranteed $9.55 million appearance fees. A win in the group phase will add $2 million, a draw $1 million, and a top-two finish and qualification for the knockout phase $7.5 million. This CWC is one of the richest in professional sports. Prize money of $1 billion will be split between the teams, with the tournament winners earning up to $131 million. Manchester City are the reigning club champion, winning the title in 2023 under the former seven-team format. There was no CWC in 2024. Two Brazilians, Palmeiras and Botafogo, will now meet in the round of 16 while Inter Miama, with Lionel Messi at the helm, meet newly crowned Champions League winners PSG, Messi's former team. * A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Today
3 days ago
- Egypt Today
Health Min.: Egypt produces 91% of medicines locally, leads the pharmaceutical industry in Africa
Pharmacy - file CAIRO - 25 June 2025: Egyptian Minister of Health and Population and Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, emphasized that the importance of the African Medical Conference and Exhibition "Health Africa" stems from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directive to prioritize various state sectors and focus on industry and its localization in Egypt. During a special interview with Extra News Channel, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar added that the ventilators at the exhibition are entirely locally manufactured, in addition to the television scans, and there are indications of the manufacturing of MRI and CT scan devices, as well as surgical consumables, with industrial capabilities considered the strongest on the continent. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar pointed out that the Egyptian state, under the directives of President El-Sisi, has been establishing a massive information base and infrastructure for eight years, containing everything related to the Egyptian citizen, some of which includes patient-specific health information. Consequently, applications for early and accurate diagnosis, the development of new types of medicine using artificial intelligence, and telemedicine are being developed. All of this informs decision-makers with the massive data generated through the 100 Million Health Initiative and presidential initiatives. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar explained that Egypt is the first and only country in Africa to have 91 percent of its pharmaceutical needs manufactured locally.
