Egypt's Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) released the preliminary results of the 2025 Egyptian Family Health Survey. The survey indicates a decline in the average number of children per woman to 2.33, down from 2.85 in 2021, representing an 18.2% decrease. This trend suggests that Egypt may achieve its strategic goal of reaching a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman.
The 2025 survey is the second round of the Egyptian Family Health Survey, following the first round in 2021. CAPMAS Chairman, Major General Akram El-Gohary, stated that the survey is part of a series of health surveys conducted in Egypt since 1988. The survey aims to provide accurate data for policymakers to address population growth and health challenges.
The survey's results show a decline in the birth rate among teenagers under 20 years old to 34.6 births per 1,000 women, down from 50 births per 1,000 women in 2021. This represents a 31% decrease. Additionally, the survey found an increase in the use of long-acting family planning methods, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants.
The survey also reveals improvements in maternal and child health indicators. The percentage of women receiving regular prenatal care increased to 92.4%, while 98% of births were attended by qualified healthcare professionals. Furthermore, 96% of births took place in healthcare facilities.
The survey's findings also indicate a rise in awareness and positive attitudes towards family planning among young, unmarried individuals aged 15-29. The percentage of respondents approving of using family planning methods before the first pregnancy increased to 28%, up from 18% in 2021.
Major General Akram El-Gohary emphasized that the survey's results provide a comprehensive overview of Egypt's progress toward achieving its national population and development goals. The CAPMAS will finalize the survey's results and release a comprehensive report by the end of 2023, which will serve as a roadmap for allocating resources and investments in healthcare and population development.
The 2025 Egyptian Family Health Survey's results demonstrate Egypt's commitment to evidence-based policymaking and its efforts to address population growth and health challenges. The survey's findings will inform policy decisions and guide resource allocation to support the country's development goals.
Key points
- The 2025 Egyptian Family Health Survey shows a decline in the average number of children per woman to 2.33, down from 2.85 in 2021.
- The survey reveals improvements in maternal and child health indicators, including increased prenatal care and births attended by qualified healthcare professionals.
- The survey's results demonstrate Egypt's progress toward achieving its national population and development goals.
