Al Shehab
Al Shehab Foundation for Comprehensive Development offers support to marginalised populations in Egypt and helps them overcome socio-economic obstacles they may face, sexist violence and difficulties in accessing care.
Since 2003, the year it was officially registered with the Egyptian authorities, Al Shehab has provided assistance to more than 30,000 people. Renowned for its technical expertise, the non-profit association is one of the rare groups that works with the populations that are most vulnerable to HIV, namely girls and women in the regions of Greater Cairo, Alexandria, Ismailia, el-Fayyum, Al-Sharqiyah and Al-Minya. Combatting gender-based violence, prevention of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS), providing information about reproductive health and offering psychological and legal support are just some of the activities run by Al-Shehab, in its reception centres or thanks to mobile teams. In order to facilitate the socio-economic emancipation of the people it serves, the non-profit also builds on professional training, equipping people with the tools they need to develop their skills as part of a global empowerment approach. Al Shehab’s activities depend on a partnership agreement with civil society stakeholders and government agencies (notably PNLS and the Ministry of Health). The group strives to make the sustainable development goals in the areas of health, combating inequalities and the eradication of poverty a reality by working to secure their incorporation into national strategic plans.
Key Figures
Al Shehab
years supporting vulnerable populations in Egypt
people have received support since its creation
sections in Alexandria and Cairo
Close up
From prevention to empowerment, comprehensive support for beneficiaries
Since its establishment, Al-Shehab has been focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention through providing a comprehensive package of interventions targeting the most vulnerable populations. The prevention cycle starts by the outreach service where the outreach team reach out for the most at risk populations to deliver a summarized awareness message related to HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention as well as the different services provided at Al-Shehab. The prevention cycle involves other forms of interventions, one of which is the legal support where Al-Shehab believes in the impact of empowering vulnerable populations legally to decrease the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
Additionally, Al-Shehab is renowned among its beneficiaries for being a safe space for them to vent, socialize and get the service they need for them or for their families which is manifested in the psycho-social support service where the service- seeker vents about everything related to his/her life or behaviors so that the listening officer could refer him/her to the right service that shall decrease the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS which starts by getting tested and counseled to end by a complete inclusion of the person in need in the social and economic empowerment activities.