Maternal Mortality Falls to 41 per 100,000 Births in Two Decades

Maternal mortality in Egypt has declined to 41 deaths per 100,000 live births, marking a 79% decrease between 2000 and 2020, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. At its lowest point, the rate dropped to 17 per 100,000.

This progress is attributed to improved maternal healthcare services, stronger family planning programs, increased community awareness, and continuous training for healthcare workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

At the same time, anaemia among pregnant women has risen from 26% in 2014 to 60% in 2022. This increase poses serious risks to both maternal and newborn health. Some regions have also reported slight increases in maternal deaths in recent years, highlighting the need for sustained and targeted interventions.

The Ministry has committed to expanding access to iron supplements and reproductive health services, as well as improving early detection and response to maternal health complications.