Mohamed Youssef, an Egyptian actor recognized as "Ozu," has publicly addressed his health issues following observations about his bent posture. The actor, who stars in the Ramadan 2026 drama series "Friends of the Land," shared on his official Facebook page that he suffers from a rare autoimmune disease known as ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently undergoing biological treatment aimed at stabilizing his health condition and preventing further deterioration.

In addition to discussing his health, Ozu highlighted his visit to a cosmetic surgeon with Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors' Syndicate, but was told to return after a year, despite a typical recovery time of six months. He expressed his intention to pursue cosmetic surgery with a different doctor who would take his complex health situation into account. He does not wish to elicit sympathy from the public regarding his illness, revealing that many close to him are unaware of the challenges he faces and the significant pain he endures while exploring various treatment options.

This revelation sheds light on not just Ozu's health struggles but also raises awareness about ankylosing spondylitis, a condition that can severely impact an individual's quality of life. As a public figure during Ramadan, his openness may inspire others facing similar health challenges, while also encouraging conversations surrounding the acceptance and understanding of chronic illnesses in society.