Egypt’s Ahl Masr Burn Hospital has documented 40 child abuse cases involving burn injuries, including 20 cases of domestic violence within families, underscoring growing concerns over severe abuse against children.
Heba El-Sewedy, founder and chair of the hospital’s board of trustees, said one of the most severe cases involved Malik, a seven-year-old boy, whose hand was intentionally burned with boiling water by his mother as punishment. Malik is undergoing multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term physical therapy, alongside specialized psychological support.
El-Sewedy stressed that burn injuries caused by abuse extend beyond physical damage, often leaving deep psychological trauma that can persist for years, particularly when abuse occurs within the home. She emphasized that combining medical treatment with psychological rehabilitation is essential for full recovery.
The hospital has also treated other severe cases, including a 15-year-old girl set on fire with gasoline and a six-year-old child burned with boiling water. Additional incidents involved corrosive substances used as retaliation among children and adolescents.
El-Sewedy noted that many domestic violence cases fail to reach full legal accountability, as families or victims often withdraw complaints due to financial dependency or social pressures. She warned that such patterns perpetuate abuse despite existing legal protections.
She called for stronger enforcement mechanisms, broader child protection systems, and more effective state intervention in domestic violence cases.
Opened in 2024, Ahl Masr Hospital is the first and largest free specialized burns hospital in Africa and the Middle East, with a capacity of 60 beds. It offers integrated medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support, and has helped raise Egypt’s burn recovery rates from about 20% to 75%.
