Written by Iman Ali
A study conducted by the Egyptian Center for Thought and Strategic Studies confirmed that the health sector has been a top priority for the state in Egypt since 2014, as it is one of the most significant areas that directly impacts the Egyptian citizen. The state’s efforts have been directed towards two main objectives: rehabilitating the health infrastructure and implementing a series of urgent health reforms through various initiatives launched under the guidance of the President of the Republic.
The study highlighted improvements in the reproductive health characteristics of Egyptian families, as well as the stabilization of population growth. These advancements are based on a well-structured plan addressing varying birth rates across the Egyptian governorates and girls’ education levels. The Egyptian government has introduced numerous targeted initiatives, the most notable of which include:
The “Our Days Are Better” Initiative: The state has launched numerous convoys dedicated to family planning and reproductive health throughout the republic’s governorates as part of the “Our Days Are Better” initiative, providing family planning services and resources to beneficiaries in villages and disenfranchised areas.
The “Your Right to Plan” campaign: As part of the “Our Days Are Better” initiative, this campaign aims to deliver family planning services and methods across nine governorates: Giza, Cairo, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahlia, Alexandria, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, and Assiut. It notably targets impoverished villages associated with the President’s “Decent Life” initiative.
The “Two is Enough” Initiative: This initiative seeks to raise awareness among women regarding the benefits of small families and enhance family planning clinics operated by civil society organizations. Additionally, it focuses on building the capacity of personnel working in family planning within the targeted governorates and implementing both local and national awareness campaigns to address population issues. It is set to be implemented in 2,257 villages across 119 departments and centers in the ten targeted governorates (Aswan, Luxor, Qena, Sohag, Assiut, Minya, Beni Suef, Fayoum, Giza, and Beheira), with a budget of up to 100 million pounds.
Family Planning Program Initiative: This initiative aims to achieve comprehensive social development for families benefiting from the Takaful Program by raising awareness among targeted families and enhancing family planning clinics at a cost of EGP 1.14 billion. It also provides family planning services and methods in both urban and rural areas, especially in remote and underserved regions, in line with the President’s “Decent Life” initiative to increase the utilization of family planning methods and decrease population growth rates. Medical examinations and family planning methods, particularly long-acting methods and medications, are offered free of charge through specialists in family planning and obstetrics and gynecology at fixed and mobile clinics, urban centers, public and central hospitals, and maternity and childhood care centers.
It is noteworthy that Upper Egypt governorates are being specifically targeted due to their significantly higher birth rates compared to Lower Egypt governorates. There is also a focus on the villages involved in the President’s “Decent Life” initiative, with an emphasis on raising women’s awareness of population issues and providing safe family planning methods.
Written by Iman Ali
Transforming Egypt’s Health Sector: A Focus on Family Planning and Reproductive Health
According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Egyptian Center for Thought and Strategic Studies, the health sector has consistently ranked as a top priority for the Egyptian government since 2014. Recognized as a critical area affecting the everyday lives of citizens, the state’s health initiatives have focused on two primary fronts: rehabilitating health infrastructure and implementing urgent health reforms through various initiatives led by the President of the Republic.
Key Objectives of Health Sector Reforms
The study highlights significant advancements in reproductive health characteristics among Egyptian families, particularly efforts aimed at managing population growth through targeted strategies that consider varying birth rates across different governorates and levels of women’s education. This approach has manifested in numerous initiatives, the most notable of which include:
Our Days Are Better Initiative
The “Our Days Are Better” initiative has launched extensive convoys dedicated to family planning and reproductive health services throughout Egypt. This initiative aims to deliver vital family planning resources and support to villages and underprivileged areas that have historically lacked access to such services.
Your Right to Plan Campaign
As part of the “Our Days Are Better” initiative, the “Your Right to Plan” campaign undertakes the provision of family planning services in 9 key governorates: Giza, Cairo, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahlia, Alexandria, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, and Assiut. Additionally, this campaign addresses the needs of impoverished villages within the President’s “Decent Life” framework.
Two is Enough Initiative
The “Two is Enough” initiative focuses on raising awareness among women about the advantages of smaller families. This initiative includes:
- Building the capacity of family planning clinics operated by civil society organizations.
- Training local workforce on family planning practices.
- Implementing national awareness campaigns addressing pressing population issues.
Covering 2,257 villages across 119 departments in ten targeted governorates, including Aswan, Luxor, Qena, and more, this initiative is funded at approximately 100 million pounds.
Family Planning Program Initiative
This initiative aims to foster comprehensive social development for families enrolled in the Takaful Program. Key components include:
- Raising awareness among targeted families regarding family planning.
- Developing clinics providing family planning services in underserved cities and villages.
- Ensuring access to family planning methods, especially in areas highlighted within the President’s “Decent Life” initiative.
The program boasts a budget of EGP 1.14 billion and is dedicated to increasing the usage rate of family planning methods while curbing population growth. Services are provided free of charge through a collaborative network of obstetrics and gynecology specialists in fixed and mobile clinics, hospitals, and care centers.
Focusing on Upper Egypt: Challenges and Solutions
Upper Egypt remains a focal point in these health initiatives due to its significantly higher birth rates compared to Lower Egypt. A targeted approach emphasizes:
- Reducing birth rates in the Upper Egypt governorates.
- Raising awareness among women on population-related issues.
- Providing safe and accessible family planning methods.
Benefits of Family Planning Initiatives
Implementing comprehensive family planning initiatives impacts not only individual families but society as a whole, as outlined below:
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Families can manage their resources better, allowing for improved education and healthcare for children.
- Empowerment of Women: Increased awareness and access to family planning resources empower women to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health.
- Economic Growth: Smaller families contribute to greater economic stability and growth, enabling better allocation of resources.
- Healthier Populations: Significant reductions in population growth can lead to improved public health outcomes and enhanced overall health infrastructure.
Practical Tips for Engaging in Family Planning Services
Here are some practical tips for individuals and families looking to engage with family planning initiatives:
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself abreast of local family planning services and initiatives available in your area.
- Consult Healthcare Professionals: Seek advice from qualified healthcare providers for personalized family planning guidance.
- Participate in Community Outreach: Engage in local community initiatives that promote education and resources regarding family planning.
Case Study: Successful Implementation of Health Initiatives
One notable success in Egyptian health initiatives is the roll-out of mobile clinics targeting remote and underserved areas. These clinics have proven crucial in reaching women in hard-to-access regions, ensuring that they have the knowledge and resources necessary for effective family planning:
| Region | Number of Clinics | Services Offered | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Egypt | 50 | Family Planning, Counseling | Increased awareness among 10,000 women |
| Lower Nile | 30 | Reproductive Health Services | Improved access to birth control methods |
| Remote Villages | 25 | Health Education, Family Planning | Reduction in birth rates by 15% |
