The people guiding WHAF’s mission — bringing decades of humanitarian leadership across the globe.
Dr Hany ElBanna
ChairmanBorn in Egypt, Dr Hany El-Banna completed his MBBCh in Medicine at Al Azhar University, Cairo, and a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in foetal pathology from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 1991.
He is the founder of Islamic Relief, the largest Western-based Muslim international relief and development NGO, and has visited over 80 countries and 370 cities to relieve suffering and build understanding.
Dr El-Banna has received numerous recognitions for his humanitarian contributions, including:
- Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility (2020)
- GPU Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Birmingham (2007)
- Muslim Power 100 Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
- Asian Jewel Awards (2006)
- Hamilton Bailey Prize, Birmingham (1981)
Saleh Saeed
TrusteeSaleh has led the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) since 2012, coordinating responses to major global crises including Syria, Yemen and COVID-19. Under his leadership, DEC has raised over £523 million across 11 appeals.
His career spans leadership roles in NGOs and public-sector collaborations in the UK. Saleh received an OBE in 2013 and an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in 2019.
He is a co-founder of the Yemeni Community Association and serves as Vice-Chair of the Emergencies Appeals Alliance.
Shahin Ashraf
Trustee