Dr. Abla Al-Alfy, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, cautioned about the dangers of cesarean deliveries for both mothers and infants. She stated that the rise in cesarean births correlates with increased rates of asthma, neonatal admissions to nurseries, allergies, autism, and poor academic performance in children.
Dr. Abla Al-Alfy indicated that repeated cesarean sections can lead to conditions such as placenta previa and anemia (iron deficiency). She noted that the cesarean section rates in Egypt are 84% in Lower Egypt, 71% in Upper Egypt, and 52% in border governorates.
She explained that cesarean deliveries can have severe effects on the child’s health, potentially leading to death. This method of delivery is also a significant factor in the 30% rate of newborns requiring incubation after birth, in addition to contributing to a 20% rate of premature births among newborns.
Dr. Abla Al-Alfy emphasized the importance of educating Egyptian families about reproductive rights, family management strategies, child spacing, and improving demographic characteristics. This awareness is crucial to ensuring children can achieve their full potential, particularly during the critical early years up to age three.
She urged parents to prioritize giving birth to children who are fully developed physically, mentally, and emotionally. This can be achieved by considering child spacing, which helps protect children from various diseases associated with closely spaced pregnancies, including dwarfism, autism, and subpar academic performance.
Dr. Al-Alfy mentioned that the state is dedicated to supporting the development of Egyptian families and enhancing their demographic characteristics. This commitment is showcased under the slogan “No to Missed Opportunities,” which focuses on providing family planning services through primary health care units and organizations affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population. Efforts are also made to ensure coverage in underserved areas with high unmet needs and to enhance family planning and reproductive health services within the civil sector.
The Deputy Minister added that citizens, especially in villages, remote regions, and Upper Egypt, are being reached by strengthening the role of community leaders in raising awareness and educating the public, thereby improving overall quality of life and promoting sustainable community development. This also includes effectively managing population issues and enabling local directorates and departments to participate in related activities.
She highlighted that the initiative promoting natural childbirth is a significant movement she has personally championed. The Health Committee of the House of Representatives has also endorsed this initiative, which has been discussed since the beginning of the second legislative term, particularly in relation to the rising numbers of premature and autistic infants.
Dr. Abla Al-Alfy stressed that there is a global consensus on the benefits of natural childbirth for both mothers and newborns, indicating a need to increase awareness through programs and campaigns across all governorates to educate soon-to-be-married couples and women on the importance of returning to natural birth methods.
She further stated that numerous medical studies highlight the various harms parents and newborns may face following a cesarean delivery. It has also become a profitable practice for some medical professionals, especially considering some pregnant women opt not to exert effort into achieving a natural birth.
Safaa Gaber Ayada, a member of the House of Representatives, submitted a briefing request to Counselor Hanfy Gebaly, Speaker of the House, directed at the Minister of Health and Population, concerning the unprecedented rise in cesarean section rates in Egypt in recent years.
The MP indicated that the high cesarean birth rates in Egypt pose a genuine risk to mothers. Official statistics show that global cesarean birth rates do not exceed 20%, yet in Egypt, they surpass 70% and continue to increase annually. Recent surveys have confirmed a further escalation in cesarean rates.
MP Safaa Gaber referred to the findings of the Egyptian Family Health Survey from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, which revealed that the cesarean birth rate had risen significantly from 2014 to 2021, with three out of four women (72.7%) reporting their last childbirth as a cesarean section.
She noted, “The results show a significant increase in cesarean deliveries. In rural areas, the cesarean delivery rate increased to 69.6% in 2021, up from 48.1% in 2014, while in urban areas, it rose to 77.4% in 2021 from 60%.”
The parliamentarian attributed this increase to a lack of reproductive health awareness in Egypt, which he believes contributes to the high cesarean birth rates. He also mentioned the prevalence of in vitro fertilization early in marriages, which often leads to cesarean deliveries.
In addition, she noted that financial incentives for some medical practitioners drive the preference for cesarean births, as they are typically more expensive than natural births. A cesarean birth allows a doctor to perform multiple procedures in a single day, generating higher profits.
MP Safaa Jaber inquired about the outcomes of the initiative launched by the Ministry of Health aimed at revitalizing natural childbirth and avoiding unnecessary cesarean sections.
MP Hanan Abdo Ammar, also a member of the House of Representatives, presented another briefing request to Counselor Hanfy Gebaly, addressed to Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, regarding the rising rates of cesarean sections in Egypt.
The MP confirmed that Egypt ranks first in the world for cesarean sections, according to a study by the World Health Organization. The findings showed a cesarean section rate of 26% in Britain, 58% in the Dominican Republic, and 63% in Egypt, which is alarming.
She added that from 2000 to 2021, the cesarean rate increased more than sevenfold, escalating from 10% to roughly 72%. Recently, there has been significant promotion by certain doctors and private medical facilities encouraging this method of delivery to the extent that it has become a commercial venture.
She further highlighted that the “cesarean section business” in Egypt has skyrocketed to 14 billion and 525 million pounds annually, compared to the costs of natural births, which total about 3 billion and 675 million pounds. The price for natural births ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds, while cesarean sections typically range from 8,000 to 14,000 pounds.
She maintained that this alarming increase in cesarean sections is a critical issue that necessitates awareness of its dangers and considerable efforts from individuals and relevant parties to mitigate potential risks, given Egypt’s leading position globally in this regard.
Ammar questioned why the number of cesarean births in Egypt is so high compared to other countries and what role the Ministry of Health is playing in lowering these rates.
She pointed out the various risks associated with cesarean sections, which may lead to health complications for both mothers and infants, potentially resulting in death. Medically, such procedures should be performed based on strict medical guidelines and in specific situations.
Understanding the Rising Caesarean Birth Rates in Egypt
Recently, Dr. Abla Al-Alfy, Deputy Minister of Health and Population in Egypt, has raised significant concerns regarding the alarming rise in caesarean births. According to her findings, this increase has adverse effects on both maternal and child health, contributing to a range of medical and psychological issues.
Risks Associated with Caesarean Births
Dr. Al-Alfy highlighted that the risks tied to caesarean deliveries extend beyond the immediate surgical complications. The potential impacts on maternal and child health include:
- Increased Rates of Chronic Conditions: Higher instances of asthma, allergies, and autism are prevalent among children born via caesarean.
- Academic Performance: Studies indicate poor school performance rates in children delivered through caesarean sections.
- Placenta Previa and Anemia: Repeated caesarean births can lead to serious conditions such as placenta previa and anemia in mothers.
- Need for Neonatal Care: Approximately 30% of newborns who undergo caesarean births may require admission to incubators.
- Prematurity Rates: The incidence of premature births is alarmingly high, affecting up to 20% of cesarean-born infants.
Statistical Overview of Caesarean Births in Egypt
Current statistics reveal a troubling trend in Egypt regarding the prevalence of caesarean births:
| Region | Caesarean Birth Rate |
|---|---|
| Lower Egypt | 84% |
| Upper Egypt | 71% |
| Border Governorates | 52% |
According to Dr. Al-Alfy, these figures indicate that the rates of caesarean deliveries in Egypt far exceed the global average of 20%, with some analyses suggesting figures as high as 72.7% for women who had their last child via caesarean between 2014 to 2021.
Causes Behind the Surge in Caesarean Deliveries
The increasing rates of caesarean births can be attributed to several factors:
- Lack of Awareness: There is a noticeable lack of education regarding reproductive health and family planning among Egyptians.
- Financial Incentives: For some medical practitioners, performing caesarean sections is more profitable, as they can manage multiple operations in a single day.
- In Vitro Fertilization: The rising phenomenon of IVF has led to a preference for scheduled caesarean deliveries.
- Cultural Beliefs: An increasing cultural inclination towards caesarean birth is reinforced by misinformation regarding its safety compared to natural birth.
Health Initiatives for Promoting Natural Birth
Dr. Al-Alfy has called attention to the need for increased awareness of natural childbirth as a viable and healthier option. The Egyptian government is committed to supporting families through:
- Family Planning Services: Improved access to family planning resources in primary health care units.
- Community Education: Enhancing community health education through social pioneers, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
- Reproductive Health Initiatives: Campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of spacing pregnancies and understanding the risks associated with caesarean deliveries.
Risks of Caesarean Practices: Voices from the Parliament
Members of the Egyptian Parliament have echoed Dr. Al-Alfy’s concerns. MP Safaa Gaber Ayada highlighted an alarming trend in the continuous rise of caesarean births, which has seen an increase from around 10% in 2000 to approximately 72% in 2021. Furthermore, MP Hanan Abdo Ammar noted that Egypt ranks highest globally for caesarean births, underscoring the urgency for an intervention strategy.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Given the serious health implications and the rising rates of caesarean deliveries in Egypt, a collaborative effort between health professionals, government bodies, and communities is essential. Healthcare providers must prioritize educating families on the benefits of natural childbirth, while also addressing the economic and societal factors that contribute to the rising caesarean statistics.
Practical Tips for Expecting Parents
To promote a healthier birthing experience, expectant parents can consider the following:
- Education: Engage in prenatal classes that emphasize natural childbirth techniques.
- Consultation: Choose healthcare providers who support and advocate for natural births when it is safe to do so.
- Healthy Practices: Maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, including nutrition and exercise to prepare for labor.
- Birth Plan: Discuss and formulate a birth plan with your healthcare provider that aligns with your desires for childbirth.
By emphasizing awareness and education about the risks of caesarean births, Egypt can work towards a healthier future for mothers and children alike.