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As part of Ain Shams University's pioneering role in developing pediatric specialties, particularly in the fields of hematology and bone marrow transplantation, the 26th Annual Conference of the Egyptian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (ESPHI) was launched, coinciding with the 15th Conference of the Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at the Faculty of Medicine. The conference was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Ali El-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the Board of Directors of University Hospitals. The conference was attended by Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Osama Abdel-Hay, President of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate; Prof. Mohsen El-Alfy, former Head of the Pediatrics Department at Ain Shams University and President of the Egyptian Society of Pediatric Hematology; and Prof. Ashraf Abdel-Basset, former President of Mansoura University and President of the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

Prof. Ghada Farouk expressed her great pride in belonging to Ain Shams University, emphasizing that the dedication and great effort exerted by the university's doctors, despite the current health conditions and challenges, reflects a high level of responsibility and commitment.

During her speech at the conference, she added that doctors and staff in the medical system at Ain Shams University bear a double burden, not only in providing medical care, but also in supporting societal and humanitarian causes, noting that "children are the lifeblood of the family and deserve our full care and attention."

She extended her thanks and appreciation to Prof. Mohsen El-Alfy for his pioneering humanitarian initiative, "The Artery of Giving," which includes organizing an awareness marathon and blood donation campaigns, emphasizing that these activities represent an honorable model of integration between academic and humanitarian work.

Prof. Osama Abdel-Hay, Head of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, expressed his great appreciation for Ain Shams University and its pioneering role in developing the healthcare and education system. He praised the ongoing efforts of doctors, particularly during what he described as the "battle to amend the Medical Liability Law." He emphasized that the new law represents a major step toward protecting doctors without compromising patients' rights. The law completely abolishes imprisonment for doctors in professional cases and replaces it with rigorous financial penalties agreed upon after extensive legal and constitutional consultations, ensuring compensation for patients without compromising the doctor's rights.

He also praised the role of the House of Representatives in supporting these amendments, and specifically thanked Dr. Awad Tag El-Din, Advisor to the President of the Republic for Health Affairs; Prof. Ashraf Hatem, Chairman of the Health Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives; and a group of senior doctors who supported the Doctors Syndicate in this important legislative process.

In his speech, Prof. Mohsen El-Alfy reviewed the history of the establishment of the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Ain Shams University, praising the role of Prof. Sami Khalifa, the department's founder, was the first to lay the foundation stone for the first department specializing in the care of children with hematology and oncology in Egypt.

He emphasized that since its inception, the department has carried a humanitarian and scientific mission, providing the best care for sick children, while also supporting scientific research and medical training, making it a model to be emulated by Egyptian and Arab universities. In concluding his speech, he expressed his thanks and appreciation to Dr. Mohamed Abdel Mohsen, the current head of the Hematology Department, for his dedicated efforts in continuing the department's journey of giving and development.

In his speech, Dr. Ashraf Abdel Basset praised the conference's continuity over the past 25 years, considering it a clear indication of the seriousness and interest in the issue of pediatric blood diseases. He also thanked Prof. Osama Abdel Hay, President of the Doctors Syndicate, for his continued support of the conference and professional issues related to the medical sector.

Prof. Rania Salah, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for Education and Student Affairs, extended her sincere thanks and appreciation to the "Artery of Giving" Association, appreciating its active role in supporting community work, especially blood donation campaigns and health awareness. She also commended the distinguished efforts of the Department of Pediatrics at Ain Shams University, noting that the purposeful student activities it sponsors reflect the spirit of belonging and responsibility among medical students and enhance their academic and human skills.

Dr. Galila Mukhtar, Professor of Pediatrics, expressed her pride and appreciation for the level reached by the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology thanks to the continuous efforts of Prof. Mohsen Al-Alfi, noting that his continuous giving and unique initiatives are a source of inspiration for many medical and humanitarian workers.

Prof. Hanan Mohamed Ibrahim, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Ain Shams University, emphasized that the medical team's daily dedication, continuous efforts, and sincere devotion reflect a humanitarian and scientific commitment that deserves praise and support in serving patients.

The conference featured several specialized scientific sessions that addressed the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric blood diseases and bone marrow transplantation. A group of professors and experts in the field, along with a group of doctors from various Egyptian universities, participated in the sessions.

Dr. Amr Mabrouk, Professor and former Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery and Egyptian thinker delivered a distinguished lecture on three of the most important books that addressed Egypt from a cultural, historical, and intellectual perspective. He emphasized the role of culture and knowledge in supporting national identity.

Prof. Ahmed Abdullah Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, also gave a detailed presentation on the library's contents, its importance, the number of visitors, and its history.

At the conclusion of the conference, the Egyptian Society of Pediatric Hematology awards were distributed to the winners in various scientific fields, in recognition of their research and scientific contributions.

Prof. Amal Imam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent, honored Professor Mohsen El-Alfy in recognition of his significant and ongoing efforts in caring for sick children and his pioneering role in supporting community and humanitarian initiatives.