Family Planning Services Usage at Health Facilities Up by 60%

The Ministry of Health and Population has reported a 60% increase in the use of long-acting family planning methods at public health facilities, according to Dr. Abla Al-Alfi, Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development. The announcement was made during a meeting held to review recent data and performance indicators linked to reproductive health and maternal wellbeing.

Dr. Al-Alfi attributed the rise in demand to ongoing efforts to improve access to reproductive health services and promote awareness around family planning options. She also emphasised the need to ensure that prospective spouses receive counselling sessions before being issued a mandatory health certificate, a legal requirement for marriage in Egypt. The sessions aim to inform couples about reproductive health, contraception, and broader family wellbeing as part of the state’s strategy to manage population growth and improve public health.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister also flagged discrepancies in breastfeeding data collected by primary health units and called for more robust tracking methods to assess breastfeeding rates nationally. She stressed the importance of targeted counselling, particularly for mothers suffering from anaemia or malnutrition, to ensure comprehensive postnatal care.

These initiatives form part of Egypt’s broader population strategy, which includes the rollout of accessible family planning programmes, nationwide health campaigns, and educational efforts focused on nutrition, maternal care, and reproductive rights.