Egypt’s Fertility Rates Hit Historic Low, Reflecting Success of Urgent Population Plan

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, announced a significant turning point in Egypt’s development trajectory. He highlighted that the historic decline in fertility rates reflects the success of the urgent population and development plan, contributing to citizens’ enhanced access to the benefits of developmental projects and essential services.

In a telephone interview on the morning program (This Morning) aired on Extra News Channel, Abdel Ghaffar stated, “The real challenge has never been the population size but rather the state’s ability to provide quality education, comprehensive healthcare, suitable job opportunities, adequate housing, and a decent life for every citizen.”.

The spokesperson further explained that by the end of 2025, unprecedented indicators regarding population and development had been recorded. The number of births has dropped to less than two million annually for the first time in many years, with birth rates decreasing to 18.1 per thousand people compared to 19.4 per thousand in 2023. The total fertility rate also fell to 2.34 children per woman in 2025, down from 2.54 children in 2023.

Abdel Ghaffar added that declining population growth rates directly enhance developmental returns and improve quality of life. He emphasized that the state continually implements new projects in education, health, housing, and infrastructure sectors, allowing citizens to feel more significantly the fruits of these achievements.

He noted that a nation’s strength is not solely measured by its population size but by its citizens’ access to quality health and educational services, suitable job opportunities, adequate housing, and transportation. Achieving a balance between population growth rates and development investment positively impacts citizens’ well-being.

Abdel Ghaffar stressed that population issues are not just about numbers; they rely on a set of interconnected indicators including women’s empowerment, reducing school dropouts, and improving maternal and family health—all contributing to building a more stable society and ensuring a dignified life for Egyptian citizens.