News
Official Launch of the MENA-Vascular and Interventional Neurology Society (MENA-VINS)
October 29, 2025
A significant step was taken in the fight against stroke across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with the Official Declaration of the Middle East and North Africa Vascular and Interventional Neurology Society (MENA-VINS).
The launch took place on October 29, World Stroke Day, at the Princess Fatma Academy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Population. This crucial move establishes a regional body dedicated to improving and expanding interventional neurology services, fostering cooperation with regional representatives and international bodies.
The event featured a comprehensive stroke awareness day, filling the main hall of the Academy.
The newly appointed Board of Directors was introduced, and the society’s vision and mission were formally declared.
Attendees were also notified that the 3rd MENA-VINM is scheduled to take place from April 16th to 18th, 2026.
that the 3rd MENA-VINM is scheduled to take place from April 16th to 18th, 2026.
Committee has begun reviewing submissions.
MENA-VINS Membership Officially Opens
November 7, 2025
Following the society's official declaration, membership for MENA-VINS is now open. The society aims to include a broad spectrum of professionals, particularly neurologists, vascular neurologists, and affiliates in stroke management, offering categories for full active members, members, and honor members.
The main goal is to build a robust network to enhance stroke care across the region. Within hours of opening the application process, hundreds of applications were received, and the Membership Committee has begun reviewing submissions.
2nd MENA Vascular and Interventional Neurology Masterclass (MENA-VINM)
April 2025
The 2nd MENA-VINM was held successfully in April 2025 at the Princess Fatma Academy, the training hub of the Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt.
This year's Masterclass was held under the patronage of prestigious regional and international organizations, including the World Stroke Organization (WSO), the European Stroke Organization (ESO), and The Society of Interventional and Vascular Neurology (SVIN).
Key highlights included the repetition of live transmission from angio suites, not only across Egypt but from other parts of the world, and the introduction of unique debate sessions concerning stroke management.
The four-day event, running from April 6th to the 9th, included a dedicated session for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The Masterclass attracted 20 international guests from countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, alongside representatives from major global stroke societies, including:
Prof. Jeyaraj Pandian (WSO President)
Prof. Simona Sacco (ESO President)
Prof. Adel Alhazzani (MENASO President)
Prof. Fawaz Al-Mufti (Mission Thrombectomy, SVIN)
Committee has begun reviewing submissions.
Inaugural MENA Vascular and Interventional Neurology Masterclass (MENA-VINM)
April 2024
April 2024 marked a historic moment in regional neurology with the successful completion of the First Middle East and North Africa Vascular and Interventional Neurology Masterclass (MENA-VINM).
Hosted at the Ain Shams University Hospital Training Center, the event coincided with the official opening of the Ain Shams University Stroke Center - Hany Aref Unit.
This Masterclass pioneered the use of live transmission from angio suites with direct discussion with the operators for the first time in the field of Neurology and Neurointervention in both Egypt and the MENA region. Previously, this advanced training method was exclusive to the cardiology specialty.
The inaugural event was well-attended by esteemed international figures, including Michael Brainin (Past WSO President), Souhail Alrukn (MENASO President), Adel Alhazzany (MENASO), and Riyad Kweidar (WFN).
The First MENA-VINM laid the essential groundwork that ultimately paved the way for the later establishment of MENA-VINS.