Serving in the Land of the Pharaohs A Health Education Mission to Egypt
A Nation of Ancient Wonders and Modern Needs.
Egypt, one of the world’s most ancient and enduring civilizations, is home to timeless wonders like the Great Pyramids of Giza. Yet, beyond its historic landmarks lies a nation of 80 million people with diverse needs. As the most populous country in the Middle East, approximately 90% of Egyptians are Sunni Muslim, with the remaining 10% being predominantly Coptic Orthodox Christians.
From the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene desert monasteries, Egypt’s rich cultural and religious heritage is woven into the fabric of daily life. It is within this vibrant context that CMANA serves, addressing critical health challenges while honoring the nation’s deep-rooted history.
The Apostolic Roots of the Coptic Church.
The Coptic Orthodox Church, founded on the apostolic teachings of St. Mark the Evangelist, represents the largest Christian community in the Middle East and North Africa. Its rich monastic history, with ancient monasteries still active after 1,500 years, is a testament to its enduring faith.
CMANA’s missions in Egypt are deeply connected to this heritage, allowing us to serve communities with a unique understanding of the local culture and faith. Our work is a continuation of a long tradition of service and compassion.
A Legacy of Service and Partnership.
CMANA’s first-ever mission trip was to Egypt in November 2010. This inaugural mission, a collaboration with multiple global organizations, brought together 20 physicians from various specialties to serve in Upper Egypt, Cairo, and Alexandria. Although the 2011 revolution temporarily paused our efforts, we resumed our service in December 2012.
Since then, CMANA has been committed to providing continuous medical care and support to communities across Egypt, building on a legacy of fruitful partnership and unwavering dedication.
Preparing for Your Mission Trip
Health & Safety
Your health and safety are our top priorities. The CDC recommends travelers to Egypt are up-to-date on routine vaccinations as well as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Yellow Fever. Tap water is not suitable for drinking. For a full list of recommendations.
Visa Information
Visas can be obtained from Egyptian embassies or consulates before you travel, or upon arrival at Cairo International Airport. Please note that purchasing a visa at the airport may be more expensive. If you are an Egyptian citizen traveling on a non-Egyptian passport, present your Egyptian ID card to have the visa fee waived. For complete details.
Cultural Customs
Egyptian culture, particularly outside of major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, is conservative. Social norms regarding interactions between men and women differ from Western customs. For instance, physical contact between unmarried or unrelated men and women may be considered improper in rural areas. We provide cultural sensitivity training to all our volunteers to ensure respectful and effective engagement.
Medical & Social Concerns
CMANA’s work in Egypt addresses significant health challenges. An estimated 25% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. Egypt also has the highest incidence of Hepatitis C in the world. Our missions are designed to tackle these issues through direct medical care, health education, and sustainable community programs.
