SDGs

SDG3

Enhance Physical health

1- Reduction in Mortality Rates

SONG-H is an innovative treatment method that accelerates wound healing in burn survivors, reducing mortality rates and improving health outcomes. It uses an engineered mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) in a hydrogel scaffold to deliver bioactive materials, enhancing wound closure, reducing complications, and reducing infection risk. This approach not only ensures survival but also improves quality of life by reducing scarring and promoting tissue regeneration.

2- The long-term improvement quality of life for burn survivors

The long-term benefits of SONG-H extend far beyond the healing process. By enhancing the cosmetic outcomes of burn wounds, our treatment gives survivors the chance to have healthier and more productive lives. Scarring often leads to limited mobility, chronic pain, and a higher risk of complications like contractures, where scar tissue tightens and restricts movement.

Enhance Physiological health

1- Reduced psychological trauma

Burn scars often be a persistent reminder of trauma, leading to psychological distress. SONG-H aims to alleviate these reminders by minimizing disfiguring scars from visible injuries. This reduction in scarring will help to ease the psychological burden, promoting improved mental health and emotional well-being.

2- Improved social interactions

Visible scars can sometimes lead to social stigma or bullying, impacting an individual’s social life and mental well-being. By minimizing the visibility of scars, SONG-H would help improve social interactions, reduce negative judgments, and encourage better integration into social environments.

3- Restoring Confidence

Individuals with massive scars might experience social isolation and impairment in personal identity. Thus, scarless healing by SONG- H will enhance the individual’s self-image and overall mental well-being, reducing social exclusion and restoring an individual's confidence level.

Important STATS

1. Severe second and third-degree burn injuries have a 30% mortality rate due to complications like infections and organ failure.
2. Disabilities and extended recovery can reduce a survivor's long-term economic productivity by up to 50%.
3. Psychological trauma, including disfigurement, depression, and anxiety, impacts 35-70% of burn survivors.
4. Scarring from serious burns causes chronic mobility limitations in 15- 20% of survivors, affecting their quality of life.

Fig 1. SDG3 .

SDG4

Burn injuries have profound effects not only on physical and psychological health but also on educational outcomes. Scarless healing by SONG-H offers various educational benefits for burn survivors. By improving self-esteem, reducing psychological trauma, SONG-H facilitates better academic performance. Through these advancements, scarless healing plays a role in helping burn survivors being fully engaged in their educational journey.

1- Enhanced self-esteem and self-image

Burn scars lead to reduced self-esteem and self-consciousness. SONG-H would minimize the appearance of scars, allowing survivors to feel more comfortable and confident about their appearance. This improvement in self-image can alleviate feelings of embarrassment or self-doubt, leading to a healthier psychological state and higher concentration in education.

2- Increased academic engagement

The academic performance is greatly influenced by the psychological feelings and emotions. Students with visible burn scars may experience inner challenges related to self-esteem and social acceptance, which surely affects their scholastic achievements. SONG-H would relieve some of these concerns, enabling students to participate more freely in their educational activities and focus on their studies without distraction.

3- Enhanced Concentration and Learning

Visible scars may develop psychological stress that can interfere with a student's ability to concentrate and learn effectively. By solving these issues through SONG-H , students can achieve better focus and cognitive function, leading to improved learning outcomes and academic success.

4-Reduced absenteeism and disruption

Burn survivors who undergo frequent medical treatments for scar management like skin grafts or laser surgeries may experience frequent absence in their education. SONG-H will replace the need for long-term treatment medications, leading to fewer absences from school and a more consistent educational experience.

Be safe from fire

According to WHO the most affected age-group from burn injuries are children from 1-5 years as they are immature and very passionate about touching anything and playing with everything around them so the chance of burn accidents is very high.

We believe music is a powerful tool for reaching children. So by creating a catchy song with clear and simple lyrics, we can make fire safety information not only understandable but also memorable, therefore we made (Be safe from fire) song using a tool mentioned in the contribution page to facilitate the future iGEM teams to make the same idea.

Important STATS

1. Burn survivors experience a 50-60% loss of self-esteem due to visible scars.
2. Up to 70% of burn survivors face psychological trauma, including anxiety and depression from disfigurement.
3. 0-40% of survivors report social stigma and bullying due to burn scars, leading to isolation and mental health issues.
4. School absenteeism reaches 35% for burn survivors undergoing long scar treatments, disrupting their academic progress.

Fig 2. SDG4 .

SDG5

Burn injuries have a greater impact on women than men worldwide, with women making up to 80% of burn cases in some countries like Afghanistan. This is mostly due to their involvement in unsafe cooking and household activities. Women in lower-income countries are more susceptible to these injuries because of the socio-economic and cultural factors. As a result, they face serious long-term consequences such as disfigurement, disability, and loss of income. These effects limit their opportunities for economic independence and social participation, creating gender inequality in these societies.

SONG-H will play an important role in reducing the effects of burn injuries on women by minimizing scars and restoring their physical ability to work. By improving the cosmetic outcomes of burn wounds, SONG-H will protect and restore feminine beauty, which is an important part of women's identity and confidence. Reducing scarring also lowers the risk of psychological trauma, such as depression and anxiety, which many female burn survivors experience due to the visible scars and social stigma they face.

With fewer scars, women will have the confidence to return to society and engage in work, contributing to their family’s financial well-being. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. By providing a treatment that allows women to regain their physical and emotional strength, SONG-H will reduce the barriers that prevent them from participating fully in their communities.

Important STATS

1. Burns are the fifth most common cause of non-fatal injuries for women worldwide and occur disproportionately in those in low-income countries.
2. Over 50% of women with burn injuries face lifelong disfigurement, leading to severe social and psychological impacts.
3. Burn-related complications result in increased depression and PTSD, with 70% of affected women developing psychological disorders.

Fig 3.SDG5 .

SDG8

Goal 8 focuses on achieving "decent work and economic growth," emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable economic development, as well as full and productive employment for everyone. SONG-H directly addresses the primary barrier to economic participation for burn survivors, as scarring often results in disability, unemployment, and prolonged recovery periods.

The consequences of a burn injury, especially second-degree and third-degree, are often long-term hospitalizations and prolonged rehabilitation. The economic cost of such injuries is so high, not only in terms of medical costs but also in losing productivity. By accelerating the wound-healing process and reducing scarring Song-H provides the opportunity for burns survivors to re-employ earlier without losing that much time from the workforce.

This faster return contributes to bigger economic benefits. Burn survivors, especially those who are family breadwinners, are able to return to their activities more quickly, therefore raising productivity, improving economic output, and maintaining the stability of incomes at household levels.

The project contributes to SDG Target 8.5, which aims to achieve "full and productive employment and decent work for all" by 2030. Most burn survivors are unable to rejoin the workforce due to various physical limitations and social stigma resulting from visible scarring. SONG-H approach catalyzes physical recovery, with significantly better cosmetic outcomes that boost the confidence and employability of burn survivors. Our approach will also help to ensure that the long-term complications and psychological burdens associated with burn injuries won’t interfere with decent work of survivors.

Important stats

1. Approximately 1.4 million annual hospitalizations from burns lead to significant economic impacts due to prolonged recovery.
2. Only 60% of burn victims are employed after severe injuries, affecting household income and economic stability.
3. Burn injuries cost low- and middle-income countries up to $8.6 billion annually in healthcare expenses and productivity losses.
4. Faster burn healing could increase the return-to-work rate by 40%, reducing the economic burden of long-term disability.

Fig 4.SDG8 .

SDG9

SONG-H project aligns well with SDG Goal 9, which targets building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and encouraging innovation. SONG-H uses MSCs and YAP on a hydrogel scaffold as the basis to make a revolutionary change in wound healing-particularly for burn injuries.

The regenerative potential of MSCs has been well documented. MSCs can be isolated from various tissues, such as bone marrow and adipose tissue and capable of differentiating into various cell types, including skin cells. In our system, these cells were engineered to deliver the YAP protein which will promote cell growth and differentiation at the wound site and significantly enhancing wound healing. This new use of MSCs combined with YAP not only significantly improves recovery but also meets some of the longstanding unmet challenges in burn care.

This will include the application of hydrogels in wound dressing to provide the appropriate moist environment for optimal healing. Hydrogels are polymer-based and can hold a large amount of water, hence being ideal for maintaining hydration of wounds. They also provide a scaffold that supports cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. The natural polymers in our hydrogel, such as hyaluronic acid, will ensure sustainability. Hyaluronic acid is biodegradable and widely used in wound treatments because of its important role in cellular processes during wound healing.

With the use of advanced biotechnology, such as MSCs, YAP, and hydrogels, the SONG-H contributes to innovation in the healthcare industry in perfect alignment with Goal 9. This approach therefore leads not only to improved outcomes for patients, but also to sustainable medical treatments in line with economic and industrial growth.

Important STATS

1. Burn injuries cost global healthcare systems approximately $20 billion annually, highlighting the strain on resources and infrastructure.
2. The bio-cosmetics market is projected to grow at a 7.5% CAGR by 2025
3. Investments in regenerative medicine involving stem cell technologies are expected to exceed $15 billion by 2025

Fig 5.SDG9 .

SDG11

SONG-H aligns with SDG 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities" through an integrated presentation of a guidebook titled "Cities and Homes", emphasizing fire-safe architectural designs. Such a guidebook integrates fire safety from an early stage within architectural planning, ensuring the application of fire-resistant materials, adequate ventilation systems, and intelligent layout. All these reduce fire outbreaks and enhance safe evacuation, impacting both urban centers and residential areas.

For cities, SONG-H promotes the adoption of urban resilience policies that prioritize fire safety. The guidebook encourages urban planners, architects, and policymakers to implement fire-safe design principles across entire city infrastructures. By applying these standards, cities will be less vulnerable to fire-related disasters, leading to resilient urban environments in alignment with SDG 11. The map we have designed for the model city design acts like a blueprint for safer urban design by incorporating fire prevention measures at each level.

This is an ideal city design for fire safety, with all the important features to reduce the risk of fire hazards and at the same time, emergency services can reach on time. A minimum distance of 10 meters between buildings and trees or electric wires maintains safety. First-aid centers, fire hydrants after every 500 feet, and fire brigade stations that are well-equipped to respond in time-all safety elements are included within each block. Every block of four has hospitals and ambulance facilities to reach quickly when needed. There are regular fire escape drills in the city and clear guidelines on evacuation procedures; all these together form a very strong system in preventing any fires and managing emergencies.

In apartment design, fire safety focuses on strategic placement of gas stoves and water heaters in well-ventilated areas, using high-quality electrical cables, and avoiding flammable materials like oil-based paints. Apartments are designed with two exits to facilitate evacuation, and furniture arrangement is kept minimal to prevent easy fire spread. Fire alarms and extinguishers are essential safety features, while ongoing fire escape training ensures residents are well-prepared for emergencies. These urban and residential designs go hand-in-hand to prevent fire hazards and create more livable and resilient communities.

Each apartment should have a fire extinguisher near the entrance, and fire alarms should be installed to alert inhabitants early.

By offering this guidebook and advocating fire-safe urban and residential planning, SONG-H builds safer and more resilient cities and homes, thereby making a good action toward SDG 11. This does not only reduce the hazard of fire, but also secures citizens' lives and properties, ensuring a safer future in urban areas.

Important STATS

1. Fire-resistant materials in city construction can reduce fire spread by up to 70%.
2. Integrated fire prevention systems can lower fire-related fatalities by 50%.
3. Proper fire safety designs, including alarms and exits, can reduce fire damage costs by 40%.
4. Incorporating fire safety into urban planning can decrease fire outbreaks by 60%.
5. Fire prevention education can raise awareness among populations by 80%.

Fig 6.SDG11 .

SDG12

SONG-H aligns with SDG 12, by promoting sustainable production and reducing environmental impact in healthcare. Since six different wound care products are combined into one single multifunctional product, SONG-H consolidates the production process. In that way, there will be no need for multiple product productions such as dressings, ointments, and skin grafts; hence, raw material use will be decreased, reducing energy use and associated emissions. Fewer products mean fewer factories and packaging requirements, in turn meaning less industrial waste and pollution.

Along with streamlining production, SONG-H directly decreases the international problem of medical waste. Traditional wound care generates significant waste through single-use items that end up in landfills or are incinerated. SONG-H avoids this by offering long-lasting treatment and hence reduces product replacements to a minimum, which will minimize medical waste from hospitals and clinics.

Moreover, the key benefit of SONG-H’s design is the efficient resource utilization. By making the production process much simpler because so many treatments are combined into one, and there is a lesser requirement for materials and energy. The advanced materials SONG-H is made of engineered MSCs in a hydrogel scaffold, ensure high functionality while lowering its environmental impact. This has a contribution to the global sustainability goals. Ultimately, SONG-H not only ensures better health outcomes but also reduces the environmental and economic burdens that classically come with wound care.

Important STATS

1. It is estimated that about 1.3 million tons of medical waste are produced each year from traditional wound care methodologies. (Global Health Action, 2020.)

Fig 7.SDG12 .

SDG16

Egyption Youth Sustainability Foundation

The Egyptian Youth Sustainability Foundation, or simply EYSF, is a transformational initiative in the development of Egypt's youth to lead sustainable development throughout the country. From the heart of the success of an iGEM team (AFCM-Egypt), EYSF has grown into one all-inclusive platform that involves active participation and contribution from young people across all regions in shaping the future of Egypt. EYSF is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16: Promoting peaceful, inclusive societies with transparent, accountable institutions that offer youth a voice.

EYSF, as an NGO, reaches out to schools, universities, and community organizations to provide a country-level platform for cooperation and innovation. The foundation seeks not only to raise increased awareness but also to have measurable effects toward attaining the sustainable development goals of Egypt. It thus plans action-oriented programs toward the resilient communities that will be ready to face future challenges while creating a greener, fairer, and prosperous nation.

EYSF aims to inspire lasting change by equipping and availing opportunities to the next generation of leaders to advance Egypt towards sustainability. It is a sign of legacy in action-an appeal to the young today to take responsibility and inspire a decent life for all Egyptians.

Fig 8.SDG16 .

SDG17

Earth Clubs

We are dedicated to fostering sustainable development through education and collaboration. As a formal teacher within Earth Clubs, we aim to create meaningful impacts by engaging communities in understanding and addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our commitment to SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals—drives us to seek strong alliances strong organizations. We believe that by partnering with Earth Clubs, we can amplify our efforts and share innovative educational content that empowers individuals to contribute to a sustainable future. we also aim to promote awareness of global challenges, and nurture a culture of collaboration.

Fig 9.Earth Clubs .

Meetup

We had the opportunity to participate in the meetup organized by iGEM MSP-Maastricht, where we presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting our contributions toward the SDGs this year. The event provided a great platform to exchange knowledge and insights with various experts, including iGEM ambassadors like Yassin Somoue Chafik. It was an enriching and truly fantastic experience

Fig 10.meetup .

The World's Largest Lesson

AFCM Egypt proudly partners with World’s Largest Lesson to integrate Sustainable Development Goals into education. Through partnership, we aim to empower children to become change-makers, spreading awareness and calling for action for a sustainable future. This collaboration enhances learning experiences, encouraging young minds to contribute positively to their communities and the world.

Fig 11. Certificate of Participation .