The dead doctor and a dicey diet: how a ban made a hero of Egypt’s rogue medic

Diaa al-Awadi, an Egyptian doctor, gained notoriety for claiming that insulin was a fraud, smoking was safe, and chemotherapy was ineffective. Despite losing his medical license and dying at a young age, his influence continues to grow. Fatima Adel, a 50-year-old Cairo author, turned to al-Awadi's alternative health system after experiencing misdiagnoses and medical errors with conventional treatments.

Adel, like many other Egyptians, began following al-Awadi's system in early 2024 by discontinuing medication and altering her diet. While she initially experienced improvement, she later developed diabetic foot, a preventable complication. Al-Awadi's death in a Dubai hotel in April has intensified his following, with conspiracy theories spreading across social media.

Egypt's media regulator banned all platforms from circulating his content, but this only increased his popularity. Health misinformation and disinformation have become a global concern, with the WHO recognizing it as a threat to vaccinations and care. In Egypt, the trend is particularly strong due to expensive formal healthcare and the prevalence of informal medicine.

Al-Awadi's alternative diet, called al-Tayyibat, prohibited certain foods while allowing others, sparking controversy among Islamic scholars. Despite lacking clinical trials and peer-reviewed research, al-Awadi garnered a massive following, making a fortune from his online videos, virtual consultations, and Facebook groups. In 2025, Egypt's health budget was only 1.1% of GDP, far below the WHO's recommended minimum of 5% for universal health coverage.

Al-Awadi was permanently revoked from practicing medicine in February 2026, but his influence only grew. Some followers experienced real improvements, but Dr. Mamdouh, a medical expert, cautioned that many were likely experiencing a placebo effect.