Berlin:Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar engaged in discussions with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Diene Keita at the World Health Summit, focusing on the enhancement of cooperation in population issues, reproductive health, maternal and newborn care, and family planning.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Minister emphasized the significance of supporting Egypt's National Population and Development Strategy 2023-2030. Key priorities include improving healthcare services for women and young people, ensuring the sustainable availability of family planning methods, and advancing the training of healthcare personnel.

Health Ministry Spokesman Hossam Abdel Ghaffar highlighted that the collaboration has already reached over 8 million women with reproductive health awareness services and facilitated family planning methods for approximately 4 million individuals. Training efforts have included 6,790 nurses and 5,624 healthcare providers in areas such as family planning counselling, infection control, youth-friendly services, and mental health first aid.

The dialogue also addressed enhancing supply chains, expanding midwifery services, and reducing unnecessary caesarean sections. An investment study backed by UNFPA estimated that a 25% expansion of midwifery services from 2026 to 2030 could potentially avert over 259 maternal deaths and 26,500 newborn deaths.

The cooperation extends to supporting reproductive health and family planning services in about 5,500 public health facilities, benefiting refugees, migrants, and host communities, while also fostering the exchange of Egyptian expertise with African and Arab nations.