More resources need to be directed toward women's education and improved nutrition. Photo credit: WHO.Egypt has achieved a significant improvement in maternal health. In general terms, trends in maternal health indicators have improved significantly. However, despite efforts in this area, there are still many gaps that require further action.

Maternal mortality and infant mortality rates remain high. Iron deficiency anaemia is prevalent and malnutrition is common in children under five, particularly in rural Upper Egypt. Regular antenatal care has improved, as has medically-assisted delivery.

Integrated Management of Childhood Illness

The WHO country office has supported the Ministry of Health and Population in the implementation of the WHO/UNICEF strategy for the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI). The aim of the strategy is to reduce childhood deaths and contribute to the improved growth and development of children. An important component of the IMCI strategy is the application of standard clinical guidelines in the management of sick children.

Currently, IMCI is being implemented in 19 out of 26 governorates, in 102 out of 246 districts and in 1912 out of approximately 4500 health facilities in the country. The results of evaluation activities, such as follow-up visits and an IMCI health facility survey, have shown the positive effect of IMCI on improving the performance of health providers and health facilities.

Maternal health

Women's reproductive health