Dr. Hassan Al-Naamani, President of Sohag University, received Dr. Abla Al-Alfi, Deputy Minister of Health for Population Affairs and Family Development, to discuss enhancing the university’s role in reducing cesarean section rates and neonatal mortality in the governorate. This is part of the presidential initiative “The Golden Thousand Days,” which aims to develop the Egyptian family and improve health indicators for mothers and children.

Dr. Al-Naamani praised the importance of this initiative, which seeks to reduce unnecessary cesarean births, raise awareness, provide family planning services immediately after birth, and train youth as peer counselors for their families.

During the meeting, they discussed establishing a cooperation protocol to improve maternal and child health indicators by promoting the culture of safe natural childbirth, reducing complications from cesarean deliveries, improving population characteristics, and enhancing neonatal care units (incubators) according to the latest global protocols to improve outcomes and reduce neonatal mortality rates.

The university is intensifying its field efforts through integrated developmental and medical convoys under the “Decent Life” initiative for priority villages, focusing on reproductive health awareness and comprehensive counseling, as well as direct awareness of population issues and initiative goals. This work will be intensified within the cooperation framework.

Dr. Abla Al-Alfi appreciated the fruitful cooperation with Sohag University and thanked Dr. Hassan Al-Naamani for his support. She explained that a broad committee including all relevant ministries and universities was formed to integrate roles and ensure the availability of free family planning methods, especially long-term ones. The university can request hormonal capsules and train cadres.

She noted the expansion of midwife training and the launch of the Egyptian Midwifery Board program for three years in cooperation with the International Council of Nurses (ICN), introducing this specialization at the bachelor’s level for the first time in Egypt, encouraging students to join due to excellent employment opportunities.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Amr Dowidar, Director of Sohag Health Directorate; Dr. Magdy Al-Qadi, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Ahmed Kamal, Director of the University Hospital; Dr. Mona Hafiz, Director of the Technical Office at the Deputy Minister’s office; Dr. Ahmed Khairy, Director of Operations and Training at the Deputy Minister’s office; and Dr. Yasser Gamal, General Director of Monitoring at the National Population Council. They agreed to hold a technical workshop tomorrow at 9 AM to discuss all cooperation points and plan a clear roadmap to achieve fruitful cooperation goals.