Citizens register for receiving COVID-19 vaccine at a health kiosk in a metro station- press photo i
CAIRO – 18 October 2024: The Egyptian Ministry of Health has unveiled a comprehensive new initiative aimed at improving maternal and child health. The initiative includes a new mobile app for pregnant women, increased funding for nutritional programs, and a nationwide awareness campaign.
The Ministry of Health has announced major advancements in its Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative. Among these developments is the launch of a mobile application aimed at educating pregnant women about healthy nutrition, as part of the government’s wider efforts to improve public health and ensure future generations are free from preventable diseases.
According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt is committed to improving public health, especially for mothers and their babies. He emphasized that this is a top national priority, with the state currently spending LE157 billion on diseases related to malnutrition. He further highlighted that safeguarding the health of future generations starts with enhancing care during pregnancy, with the aim of reducing birth defects and chronic conditions.
Abdel Ghaffar also announced the launch of a new campaign titled "A Pregnant Woman’s Journey", which will be rolled out across various governorates. The campaign aims to educate women on healthy practices during pregnancy, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and essential micronutrients. This initiative aligns with the overarching goal of reducing the risk of congenital defects and chronic illnesses among newborns.
The Ministry’s efforts extend beyond awareness campaigns. Abdel Ghaffar revealed plans to improve medical and laboratory services provided to women at every stage, from pre-pregnancy planning through to childbirth. This includes early detection of potential fetal anomalies and chronic diseases using the latest medical technologies.
Abdel Ghaffar shared alarming statistics underscoring the need for these initiatives. The Egyptian government spends LE 25 billion annually on diabetes treatment, another LE 25 billion on autism care, LE 87 billion on neonatal care, and LE 20 billion addressing stunted growth. He noted that 20% of stunted growth originates from poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy. According to the 2021 Egypt Family Health Survey, 43% of children under five suffer from some form of anemia, further emphasizing the importance of maternal nutrition.
Mohamed Hassani, Assistant Minister of Health for Public Health Initiatives, announced the launch of a training program for doctors in the public sector, particularly in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. This program will cover the latest protocols for maternal and fetal healthcare, with a focus on safe pregnancies and births. The Ministry also plans to update medical guidelines to align with the latest standards set by the Egyptian Health Council.
In addition, the Ministry will introduce a digital application for doctors, offering updated diagnostic tools and guidelines related to obstetrics and gynecology. This app will also feature educational content on safe pregnancies, provided by leading experts in the field. The goal is to ensure that doctors are equipped with the latest knowledge and practices to support maternal health and guarantee safe births.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
- Mobile App: The ministry has launched a new mobile application to provide pregnant women with essential information about nutrition, prenatal care, and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Increased Funding: The Egyptian government has allocated LE 157 billion to address malnutrition and related health issues.
- Nationwide Campaign: A new campaign, "Journey of a Pregnant Woman," will be rolled out across the country to promote healthy behaviors among expectant mothers.
- Training for Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers will undergo specialized training to improve the quality of maternal and child care services.
- Early Detection of Birth Defects: The initiative will focus on early detection of birth defects through advanced medical equipment and screening programs.
The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension among newborns by promoting optimal nutrition during pregnancy. Statistics show that Egypt spends billions of pounds annually on treating diseases linked to malnutrition, such as diabetes, autism, and stunting.
Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the importance of investing in maternal and child health to ensure a healthier future for Egypt. He highlighted the government's commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services for women and children.
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