Ministry of Health: 10% to 15% of Egyptian newborns born to child mothers

CAIRO – 28 July 2026: Deputy Minister of Health and Population Dr. Abla El-Alfy participated in the third roundtable discussion titled "The Legal and Legislative Status of Child Marriage," organized by the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Representatives from government agencies, Parliament, international organizations, and relevant field experts were also in attendance.

El-Alfy emphasized that child marriage directly violates children's rights and carries severe repercussions for public health, demographics, and national development. She noted that combating the practice is a top priority for Egypt's political leadership due to its far-reaching social and economic consequences for families and broader society, requiring concerted efforts from all relevant stakeholders.

Expressing optimism about the House of Representatives' role in enacting deterrent legislation, El-Alfy highlighted key progress made in recent years. A dedicated committee was formed in 2022 to study child marriage, school dropout rates, and child labor, subsequently submitting its actionable recommendations to the Prime Minister. Furthermore, state authorities intervened in 2025 to stop the engagement of two 13-year-olds, requiring both families to sign legally binding undertakings.

El-Alfy emphasized that raising public awareness must go hand in hand with legislation, drawing a parallel to the increased penalties for female genital mutilation (FGM), which demonstrated that legal effectiveness relies heavily on public awareness. She explained that while the Child Law defines childhood up to age 18 and guarantees protection, it currently lacks an explicit provision criminalizing child marriage with clear penalties—a legal gap that urgently needs bridging.

Furthermore, a review of the file revealed that while Article 154 of the Personal Status Law sets the minimum age for marriage at 18, the Ministry of Health has requested two fundamental amendments: reclassifying the crime as a felony and removing any statute of limitations to ensure that all individuals involved can be prosecuted even years after the offense occurs.

El-Alfy stressed the necessity of enacting a standalone law specifically targeting child marriage to expedite legal enforcement. She noted that the ministry is currently prioritizing interventions in Minya Governorate, where rates range between 20% and 25%—meaning one in every four or five marriages involves a child.

To illustrate the human toll, she shared the story of Sarah, a young girl who suffered severe health complications and ultimately required a hysterectomy after developing gangrene during childbirth due to her early marriage.

El-Alfy pointed out that between 10% and 15% of all births in Egypt are to mothers who are still children. Reaffirming that child marriage is an interconnected population, health, and social issue requiring immediate intervention, she called for widespread support for the ministry's social media campaign, “Her Childhood is Her Right.”