Egyptian Health Minister Dr. Khalid Abdel Gafar recently launched the 2025 Egyptian Family Health Survey, an initiative led by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli and attended by several high-ranking officials, including Dr. Ahmed Rustam, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and Major General Engineer Akram Ahmed Al-Gohari, head of the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. The survey aims to provide accurate data and indicators to assess achievements and identify areas requiring further intervention.
According to Dr. Abdel Gafar, the Ministry of Health and Population greatly benefits from the survey's results, which provide valuable insights into the country's demographic trends and health indicators. He emphasized the importance of conducting regular surveys at close intervals to ensure timely utilization of the data. The minister also highlighted that the survey's findings will inform the implementation of the National Strategy for Population and Development.
The Egyptian population has experienced significant growth over the years, increasing from 9 million in 1900 to 19 million in 1950, 65 million in 2000, and currently around 109 million. Dr. Abdel Gafar noted that this growth presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring the government to provide adequate employment, housing, education, and healthcare opportunities to harness the potential of the growing population.
The minister highlighted that the concept of health is influenced by various social determinants, including education, income, nutrition, housing, environment, and social behavior. He stressed that the survey's results reflect societal changes and will inform policy decisions and interventions aimed at addressing the country's health and demographic challenges. Egypt's total fertility rate currently stands at 2.3 children per woman, close to the replacement rate of 2.1.
Dr. Abdel Gafar also discussed efforts to reduce cesarean section rates, which are associated with early child mortality. He reported a notable improvement in this area within the public sector over the past two years. The minister emphasized the importance of achieving a balance between economic growth and population growth to harness the demographic dividend and convert the population increase into a positive force for the economy.
Other officials, including Dr. Ahmed Rustam and Major General Engineer Akram Ahmed Al-Gohari, also spoke at the event, highlighting the significance of the survey's findings and the government's commitment to using data-driven approaches to inform policy decisions. They emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between government agencies and international organizations to address Egypt's demographic and health challenges.
The 2025 Egyptian Family Health Survey is a collaborative effort between the Egyptian government and international partners, including the United Nations. The survey's results are expected to provide valuable insights into Egypt's demographic trends and inform policy decisions aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving the well-being of the Egyptian population.
Key points
- Egypt records approximately 5,439 births daily, with a current population of around 109 million.
- The country's total fertility rate stands at 2.3 children per woman, close to the replacement rate of 2.1.
- The Egyptian government is committed to using data-driven approaches to inform policy decisions and address the country's demographic and health challenges.
