Dr. Abla El-Alfy, the Deputy Minister of Health and Population in Egypt, announced on September 17, 2026, that significant efforts are in place to enhance maternal and child healthcare. With rising rates of Caesarean sections becoming a growing concern, the ministry is committed to improving the overall quality of care for mothers and children before, during, and after childbirth.
Addressing the Rise of Caesarean Sections
Dr. El-Alfy highlighted the alarming rise in the rate of Caesarean sections in Egypt, which climbed from 51.8% in 2014 to approximately 80% by 2025, according to the Egypt Family Health Survey. This surge poses a challenge for healthcare providers, as the focus is not merely on decreasing the overall percentage of surgical deliveries but on ensuring that mothers and infants receive the best possible care for a healthy start in life.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the need to distinguish between necessary and unnecessary Caesarean deliveries. She clarified that while reducing surgical births is a priority, it should not come at the expense of patient safety. Instead, the ministry aims to redesign the maternal and child care model, taking a more holistic approach to childbirth. This includes recognizing the natural process of labor, promoting breastfeeding, and encouraging immediate contact between mothers and newborns right after birth.
Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Rates
In addition to the soaring Caesarean rates, Egypt faces other critical issues related to maternal and neonatal health. Dr. El-Alfy noted that the maternal mortality rate has unfortunately seen a resurgence, reaching 44.5 in 2025, with complications from surgeries identified as a significant factor. Concurrently, neonatal mortality also increased from 11 to 18 deaths per 1,000 live births, prompting the Ministry of Health to investigate the circumstances surrounding childbirth and the quality of perinatal care.
Despite these challenges, international data indicates improvement in child survival rates over the long term. For instance, the under-five mortality rate decreased significantly from 86 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to just 22.4 in 2024. While there is progress, the rising neonatal mortality rate calls for urgent action from health authorities to improve services targeted at mothers and infants.
Reinforcing Professional Midwifery Care
As part of its initiative, the Ministry is reinforcing the midwifery care model introduced in May 2025. This strategy promotes an integrated medical team approach comprising obstetricians, midwives, nursing staff, neonatal care teams, and anesthesiologists. Availability of 24-hour regional anesthesia services is crucial to improve maternal and infant safety during childbirth.
Dr. El-Alfy stressed the importance of standardizing care in healthcare facilities, as approximately 97% of births in Egypt occur in these settings. The aim is to elevate this percentage further to ensure that medical personnel and resources are in place to manage any complications effectively.
Complex Factors Behind Rising Caesarean Rates
Dr. El-Alfy pointed out several factors contributing to the increase in Caesarean births, stating that fear of labor pain, defensive medical practices, and insufficient adherence to medical guidelines play vital roles. The focus should not be solely on decreasing numerical targets but rather on shifting the entire care model.
She provided a breakdown of Caesarean rates across different healthcare facilities, noting rates of 70-75% in government hospitals, 80-85% in universities, and an alarming 90-92% in the private sector. However, she did observe some signs of improvement in August, indicating that efforts to address this issue may be taking root.
In summary, the Ministry’s overarching goal is to enhance maternal and child care by elevating health practices, ensuring safe deliveries, and ultimately fostering a nurturing environment for both mothers and their infants.