Cairo: Deputy Health Minister Abla El Alfy announced that the Health and Population Ministry is actively working on establishing an integrated neonatal care system as part of the state's initiatives to enhance health outcomes for newborns and reduce mortality rates. This effort is intended to improve the quality of healthcare services offered to children in Egypt.According to State Information Service Egypt, El Alfy shared these insights on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, during the Scientific Day on Neonatology at Princess Fatma Academy for Medical Professional Education. The event, attended by senior ministry officials and leading pediatric and neonatal specialists, aimed to bolster neonatal care services across the nation.El Alfy highlighted that around 25 percent of newborns in Egypt have a birth weight of less than 2.5 kilograms. She pointed out that the prevalent practice of medically unwarranted cesarean deliveries contributes significantly to the rise in low-birth-weight infants needing admission to neona tal intensive care units (NICUs).The deputy minister emphasized the necessity of reducing unnecessary cesarean sections to alleviate the burden on NICUs and improve health outcomes. She also noted that reforming the neonatal care sector represents a valuable investment in Egypt's human capital and future. El Alfy stated that lowering neonatal mortality requires more than just increasing the number of incubators; it involves preventing causes that necessitate intensive care and enhancing the quality of care during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-discharge stages.She stressed the importance of maternal care and indicated that newborns should only be placed in incubators when absolutely necessary. El Alfy also discussed the critical role of breastfeeding and family involvement in boosting survival rates, minimizing infections, and supporting healthy development.Additionally, she reviewed the ministry's upcoming training program and action plan for neonatal care units. These initiatives aim to enhance the c apabilities of medical teams, implement the latest clinical practices, and establish clear admission and discharge criteria for incubators to ensure that each infant receives care tailored to their medical needs.