Abdel Ghaffar stated that the data indicates that the population on January 1, 2023, reached 104.4 million, rising to 107.2 million on January 1, 2025. This means that the average annual growth rate during this period reached approximately 1.34%, compared to 1.4% in 2024 and 1.6% in 2023, reflecting a positive shift as a result of the population policies implemented by the state.
Abdel Ghaffar revealed that this decline in the population growth
rate coincides with an improvement in economic indicators. The real GDP growth
rate during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024/2025 reached 3.5%, compared
to 2.7% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. This supports the
state's drive to achieve long-term demographic and economic stability.
He emphasized that this decline in population growth rates was
accompanied by a marked improvement in demographic characteristics, including
an increase in women's participation in the labor market and education, along
with a significant improvement in demographic indicators, including a reduction
in unmet needs. This was achieved by increasing the rate of comprehensive
physician coverage in primary healthcare and family development centers in the
governorates, reaching 80%, after previously suffering from a severe shortage
of doctors of nearly 60%. This was also achieved by providing free reproductive
health and family planning services at all government, university, and private
sector service outlets.
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the support for the use of
reproductive health and family planning methods in hospitals immediately after
birth, reaching 80%, along with a policy of focusing on long-term methods to help
families make sound, evidence-based choices regarding childbirth and all other
aspects of life.
He noted the achievement of 70% coverage in family counseling
centers and the provision of trained counselors, including doctors,
pharmacists, and dentists, who provide psychological, health, and informational
support to all mothers and families, starting with premarital counseling,
continuing with counseling on pregnancy preparation, antenatal care, supporting
safe natural birth, and upholding children's rights to optimal upbringing
during the first two years of life. This ensures optimal care during the first
1,000 days of life and extends to the next 1,000 days, ensuring successful
completion of early childhood.
He explained that successfully completing early childhood achieves health and mental development for children, which is considered one of the most important achievements in true human development.