Birth rates decline in Egypt

Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics issued a report this August about developments in Egypt’s population and its health conditions. The report aims to show if there are any positive developments as a result of steps taken by the government, as well identify problem areas where intervention and planning are needed.

The most important finding is the decline of birth rate in Egypt. The average birth rate is now at 2.85 per woman in 2021 versus 3.5 per woman in 2014. This decline is all over Egypt, including rural areas.

Results also show a rise in the use of family planning methods up to 66.4% compared to 58.5% in 2014.

There is also a significant improvement in death rates among children aged 1 to 4 years old. In 2014 the death rate was 5 children in every 1000, now it’s at 3 children. However, there is an increase in death among newborns reaching 18 deaths in every 1000 newborns, versus 14 for every thousand in 2014.

The report showed positive indications when it comes to nutrition of children in 2021, with a decline in dwarfism, malnutrition and weight loss among children. There is also a rapid decreasing rate in female FGM practices due to intensive awareness campaigns.

Child labor has also improved for children aged between 5 to 17 years old, the rate has declines to 5.6% in 2021, compared to 7% in 2014.

Egypt is keen on monitoring developments in population metrics and family planning efforts, as part of its sustainable development goals and Egypt’s 2030 Vision. It is expected that this report will push forward amendments in laws and intervention plans to create further improvements in the Egyptian society.