By Ebi Kesiena
Egypt’s “Mother and Fetus” health initiative, a part of the “100 Million Healthy Lives” presidential initiative, has screened a total of 2.39 million women since its launch until now, the Ministry of Health and Population announced in a statement on Sunday.
Launched in March 2020, the initiative focuses on early detection of diseases transmitted from mothers to fetuses, offering free treatment and medical care.
Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, the official spokesman for the health ministry, reported that 1.8 million women had been screened by February, with an additional 590 thousand screened in the following 10 months.
According to Fawzy Fathy, the executive director of the initiative, the program includes a 42-day postpartum follow-up to detect any health complications and ensure timely intervention, adding that the initiative addresses early identification of diseases such as hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis in pregnant women.
Fathy noted that the tests conducted as part of the initiative adhere to strict confidentiality and international quality standards for accuracy, utilizing reagents of high quality.
Fathy emphasized that women’s consent is a priority for the service, which also provides advice on disease prevention.
‘‘The sustainability of the initiative is underscored by its integration into health units and maternity and child centers, contributing to the enhancement of routine services for maternal and child care.
‘‘The initiative encompasses a clinical examination to assess the general health of pregnant women and fetuses, tetanus vaccination, and measurements of height, weight, and blood pressure. Various tests are performed to detect anemia, and the need for an Anti-D injection after birth is determined.
‘‘Additionally, a urine analysis is done to determine the albumin rate and detect urinary system diseases.
‘‘Necessary micronutrients are also given to the mother during pregnancy and after childbirth’’.
