Egyptian Health Minister Dr. Khaled Abdel Gafar recently highlighted the significance of the 2025 Family Health Survey, stating that the Ministry of Health and Population is one of the primary beneficiaries of the survey's findings. The survey provides crucial data and indicators that help evaluate achievements and identify areas requiring further intervention. Abdel Gafar stressed the need for regular surveys at close intervals to ensure timely utilization of the data.
The 2025 Family Health Survey was launched under the auspices of Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli, with the attendance of Dr. Ahmed Rustom, 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 event saw the participation of high-ranking officials and representatives from international organizations. Abdel Gafar emphasized that the survey's results represent a vital tool for measuring performance and setting priorities within the framework of the National Strategy for Population and Development.
The Minister noted that the population issue extends beyond numerical aspects to encompass economic, social, and developmental dimensions. He highlighted the importance of considering population characteristics alongside population numbers. Abdel Gafar cited Egypt's population growth, noting that it has increased from 9 million in 1900 to 19 million in 1950, then to approximately 65 million in 2000, and currently stands at around 109 million. He also mentioned that Egypt experiences approximately 5439 births every 24 hours, equivalent to one birth every 15.9 seconds.
Abdel Gafar emphasized that this population 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. He noted that the concept of health is influenced by social determinants, including education, individual income, nutrition, housing, environment, work, and societal behavior. The Minister highlighted that the survey's results reflect societal changes and contribute to defining responsibilities, supporting decision-making, and policy formulation.
Abdel Gafar reported that the total fertility rate has reached 2.3 children per woman, approaching the target of 2.1, which is the replacement rate that achieves balance and protects Egypt from the challenges of labor shortages and rising elderly populations. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to reduce cesarean section rates, which are linked to early child mortality, while achieving noticeable improvements within the government sector over the past two years.
The Minister reviewed the evolution of fertility rates, from 5.3 children per woman in 1980 to 3 children in 2008, then rising to 3.5 in 2014. He stressed that achieving economic growth between 10% and 15% compared to population growth between 2% and 3% allows for the harnessing of the demographic dividend and converting population growth into a real addition to the economy.
In conclusion, Abdel Gafar expressed his appreciation for the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and all those involved in implementing the survey. He emphasized that this work represents a model that decision-makers and international institutions can rely on for policy-making and evaluating achievements.
Key points
- The 2025 Family Health Survey provides accurate data for informed decision-making in Egypt.
- Egypt's population has reached approximately 109 million, with 5439 births occurring every 24 hours.
- The survey's results reflect societal changes and contribute to defining responsibilities, supporting decision-making, and policy formulation.
