In a concerted effort to fortify maternal and child health, the University of Minia embarked on a collaborative venture with the Ministry of Health as part of the pivotal "Golden 1000 Days" initiative, designed to bolster the well-being of mothers and children.
Dr. Essam Farhat, the esteemed President of Minia University, warmly received Dr. Abla Al-Alfi, the Deputy Minister of Health and Population, to delve into avenues of partnership in executing the urgent strategy for population and development. The focus also encompassed the presidential initiative "Golden 1000 Days," geared towards nurturing Egyptian families. This strategic meeting laid the groundwork for formalizing a cooperative protocol aimed at amplifying health metrics for mothers and children, spanning from pregnancy to the child's second year. This critical period is recognized as pivotal in shaping a robust and resilient human, advocating for natural childbirth while curbing unnecessary cesarean sections.
The gathering was graced by the presence of Dr. Ayman Hassanein, the University's Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development. The visit witnessed a comprehensive assembly attended by luminaries such as Dr. Safaa Abdel Rahman, the esteemed Dean of the Nursing Faculty, hospital directors, heads of obstetrics and gynecology departments, neonatal specialists, public health advocates, and Dr. Merfat Fouad, the Head of the Central Family Development Administration.
Deliberations revolved around strategies to deepen the collaborative synergy between the Ministry of Health and Minia University, recognizing the institution as a bastion of scientific and intellectual prowess and a catalyst for societal transformation in Upper Egypt. This pivotal role is instrumental in championing the presidential initiative "Golden 1000 Days," advocating for safe natural births, nurturing the health of mothers and children, mitigating health risks associated with cesarean deliveries, addressing elevated cesarean rates in specific provinces, enhancing demographic profiles, delivering comprehensive counselling, training youth as peer and familial mentors, introducing innovative incentive schemes, and striving towards reducing cesarean rates and infant mortality.
Dr. Abla Al-Alfi lauded Minia University's steadfast endeavours in elevating healthcare standards and fostering awareness in the region, particularly in activating family planning clinics at the Women's and Obstetrics Hospital, extending reproductive health counselling to women, cultivating awareness among families on the significance of family planning, appropriate marriage ages, postnatal care, and determining optimal intervals for subsequent pregnancies.
Prof. Dr. Essam Farhat underscored the University's unwavering commitment to national health initiatives aimed at enhancing the populace's quality of life and well-being. He emphasized that the "Golden 1000 Days" initiative serves as a beacon of successful collaboration between governmental and academic entities, aligning with the aspirations of Egypt Vision 2030. Additionally, he proposed a grassroots promotional strategy to be spearheaded by the University's students, involving community outreach to raise awareness on population dynamics and initiative objectives.
Dr. Ayman Hassanein highlighted the University's pivotal community role through its integrated developmental and medical missions, providing essential medical services across diverse specialties in underserved villages, alongside organizing enlightening seminars focusing on reproductive health and propagating awareness about population issues.