Egypt health ministry warns of rise in autism and nursery admissions linked to caesarean births

Dr Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, said Egypt has the highest rate of caesarean births in the world, at nearly 80 per cent nationwide, describing this as a “serious health risk.”

Speaking to the Egyptian TV channel Extra News, he emphasised that the correct term is “caesarean surgery,” noting that surgical intervention should normally be avoided and only used when necessary. In Egypt, however, he said the situation has been reversed, with surgery becoming the default and natural birth treated as the exception. 

Dr Abdel Ghaffar outlined the risks of unnecessary caesarean procedures, which include infections during surgery, Placental adhesion, longer recovery times, repeated miscarriages later, and higher rates of children needing nursery care after birth.

He also noted a rise in autism among children born by caesarean compared with those delivered naturally, alongside higher maternal mortality rates during caesarean operations. He attributed the increase in both autism and nursery admissions in recent years to the high rate of caesarean deliveries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that caesarean births should not exceed 15 per cent of all deliveries, but in Egypt, the rate has reached nearly 80 per cent.

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