Serving in the Land of the Pharaohs A Health Education Mission to Egypt
A Land of Stark Beauty and Resilient Communities
Namibia, a vast nation on Africa’s southwestern coast, is defined by striking contrasts: the towering dunes of the Namib Desert, rugged mountains, and a wild Atlantic shoreline. Beyond its dramatic landscapes, Namibia is home to a small but diverse population, with many ethnic groups, languages, and traditions woven into daily life. Most Namibians identify as Christian, while still honoring long-standing cultural practices and deep connections to the land.
From the coastal city of Walvis Bay to the capital of Windhoek and the remote rural communities of the north, people navigate challenges related to distance, limited infrastructure, and access to essential services. It is within this unique context that CMANA serves, working alongside local partners to address critical health needs, strengthen systems of care, and support communities as they build a healthier future grounded in their rich heritage.
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.
