UNHCR Donates Two MRI Machines to Support Public Health Services in Egypt

Cairo, 16 February 2026 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has donated two Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines to the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, supporting Egypt’s public health system and its capacity to serve both host communities and refugees.

The contribution comes at a crucial time as Egypt continues to face mounting humanitarian and healthcare needs driven by the Sudan crisis and the ongoing Gaza emergency. These overlapping situations have significantly increased the number of people seeking essential health support across the country.

The two MRI machines are being installed at Al Zeitun and Al Qanater public hospitals, which serve large and densely populated areas where public health services are relied upon by Egyptians and refugees alike. The additional equipment is expected to strengthen diagnostic capacity and help reduce waiting times for patients requiring advanced imaging services.

“This contribution underscores UNHCR’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s national health system, which is essential to ensuring access to life-saving healthcare services for both refugees and host communities,” said Dr. Hanan Hamadan, UNHCR Representative to the Government of Egypt and to the League of Arab States. “By investing in public hospitals that serve large populations, we are supporting national capacities, helping reduce pressure on overstretched facilities, and contributing to more timely and effective medical care for all who rely on public health services ensuring that no one is left behind.”

The donation is part of UNHCR’s broader cooperation with the Egyptian government to support national systems, promote the inclusion of refugees and asylum-seekers within public services, and strengthen community resilience, in line with the Global Compact on Refugees.

Background

Egypt hosts 1.1 million registered refugees and asylum-seekers from more than 60 nationalities, according to UNHCR data. The largest populations originate from Sudan, Syria, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.

In recent years, the number of people seeking refuge in Egypt has increased, driven primarily by the conflict in Sudan and broader regional developments. This has placed additional pressure on public services, including healthcare.

UNHCR works closely with the Egyptian government, UN entities, and national and international partners to support access to essential services—such as healthcare, education, and social protection—while reinforcing national systems that benefit both displaced populations and host communities.