Egyptian Health Minister Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar attended the launch of the 2025 Family Health Survey results in Cairo, under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli. The event was also attended by Dr. Ahmed Rustam, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and Major General Engineer Akram Ahmed Al-Johari, head of the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. The survey provides valuable data on the health and well-being of Egyptian families.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that the Ministry of Health and Population greatly benefits from the survey results, which provide accurate data and indicators to evaluate achievements and identify areas requiring further intervention. He stressed the importance of conducting regular surveys at close intervals to ensure timely utilization of the data. The minister highlighted that the survey results represent a crucial tool for measuring performance and setting priorities within the National Strategy for Population and Development.
The 2025 Family Health Survey results indicate significant improvements in various health indicators. The total fertility rate has declined to 2.3 children per woman, approaching the target rate of 2.1, which is considered the replacement rate that achieves balance and protects Egypt from the challenges of labor shortages and high aging rates. Additionally, the survey revealed a decrease in the number of cesarean sections, which are associated with early child mortality.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar noted that Egypt's population has grown significantly over the years, from approximately 9 million in 1900 to 19 million in 1950, 65 million in 2000, and currently around 109 million. He highlighted that the country is witnessing a high birth rate, with approximately 5,439 births every 24 hours, or one birth every 15.9 seconds. This represents a potential economic force that requires the provision of job opportunities, housing, education, and healthcare to transform it into a productive force supporting the national economy.
The minister emphasized that the concept of health is influenced by social determinants, including education, individual income, nutrition, housing, environment, work, and societal behavior. He stressed that the survey results reflect societal changes and contribute to defining responsibilities, supporting decision-making, and policy development. The data also highlights the need to address population growth and its impact on the economy and social services.
Dr. Ahmed Rustam, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized that data has become a strategic tool, rivaling the importance of economic resources. He noted that the government is committed to enhancing the national data system and has allocated significant investments in the health sector, totaling around 108 billion pounds in the 2026/2027 plan, representing a 27% increase from the previous year.
Major General Engineer Akram Ahmed Al-Johari presented the key findings of the survey, highlighting a decline in the average number of children per woman to 2.33, compared to 2.85 in 2021, representing an 18.2% reduction. The survey also revealed an increase in the use of long-acting family planning methods and an improvement in healthcare services, including a 92.4% rate of pregnant women receiving regular care and 98% of births attended by qualified healthcare providers.
Key points
- The 2025 Family Health Survey results show a decline in the total fertility rate to 2.3 children per woman.
- Egypt's population has grown to approximately 109 million.
- The survey highlights the need to address population growth and its impact on the economy and social services.
