Egypt’s population rose to 110 million in 2023, placing it among the four most populous countries in Africa. Although the total fertility rate declined from 3.5 births per woman in 2014 to 2.8 in 2021, a 14 percent unmet need for family planning remains. To improve access to family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) information and person-centered services JSI's Strengthening Egypt’s Family Planning Program (SEFPP), funded by USAID, developed and implemented a National Youth University Competition. The competition inspired Egyptian youth to create and implement campaigns to increase awareness and foster social and behavior change related to FP/RH, including service uptake among their peers.
Student teams from 26 public and private universities received virtual and in-person training, mentoring, and resource support to encourage healthy FP/RH behaviors and service uptake among their peers. Over three months, 11 student teams implemented campaigns in their universities and communities, reaching over 100,000 people. Students reported benefits from the participation, including professional development; enhanced opportunities for networking; improved leadership skills; and shifting community perceptions, awareness, and intentions related to FP/RH.
We strive to build lasting relationships to produce better health outcomes for all.
