Preliminary data from the 2025 survey reveals significant updates regarding maternal and child health in Egypt. The findings showcase both advancements in healthcare access and pressing challenges in fertility rates and child health metrics.
Overview of Maternal Healthcare Indicators
According to the initial results of the 2025 Egypt Family Health Survey, conducted by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), there has been an increase in cesarean section births, reaching 79.3%, a rise from 72.1% in 2021. This figure is notably higher in urban areas, where the rate stands at 82.1%, compared to 77.9% in rural areas. Notably, Kafr El-Sheikh has the highest regional cesarean rate at 93.2%, in stark contrast to Matrouh, which sees the lowest at just 48.7%.
On the maternal care front, indicators are promising. An impressive 97.1% of mothers received antenatal care from healthcare professionals, while 92.4% attended a minimum of four check-ups. Additionally, the majority of births, around 96%, occurred in health facilities, and 98% were delivered with the assistance of qualified health personnel. These figures highlight ongoing efforts to ensure that women have access to vital maternal health services.
Trends in Fertility Rates
The data also shows a notable decline in the total fertility rate, which has decreased from 2.85 children per woman in 2021 to 2.33 in 2025. This trend indicates a shift in reproductive patterns, with urban fertility rates falling to 1.92, while rural areas maintain a higher rate of 2.65. Specifically, Upper Egypt, particularly the rural regions, exhibits the highest fertility rate at 3.02. Additionally, about 20.3% of births in the five years preceding the survey were unintended, including 12% of births that women explicitly stated they did not desire. The report notes that family planning usage among married women is at a robust 65.9%, although the unmet need for family planning has risen to 16.2%.
Child Health Findings
When it comes to child health, the survey results present a mixed picture. While infant mortality rates remain steady at 25 deaths per 1,000 live births, vaccination coverage among children aged 18 to 29 months has dropped to 85.9%. Furthermore, a concerning 39.6% of children aged six to 59 months are affected by anemia, indicating the need for targeted nutritional support and health interventions. These findings signal an urgent requirement for strategies to improve child health metrics, as some areas of concern persist despite advancements in maternal care.
Looking Ahead
These preliminary results provide a crucial snapshot of Egypt’s maternal and child health landscape as of 2025. While advancements in maternal care services reflect significant progress, the declines in fertility rates and challenges in child health call for sustained commitment and resource allocation. CAPMAS emphasizes that these results are preliminary and that a comprehensive report will be released by the end of 2026, further illuminating the trends and implications for health policy in Egypt. As these issues evolve, ongoing monitoring and evaluation will be essential in ensuring improved health outcomes for women and children across the nation.