Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Population, indicated that the initiative aims to early detection of infection with B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and syphilis for pregnant women, in addition to reducing maternal deaths caused by these diseases, and the initiative also includes monitoring the condition of the mother and newborn. For 42 days, after the termination of pregnancy, in order to discover the risk factors for the mother or the newborn, and to take appropriate measures, in addition to dispensing the necessary micronutrients during the postpartum period.
Abdul Ghaffar added that the initiative guarantees confidentiality of analyzes and proper testing by selecting reagents of international quality standards. It also includes advice to prevent diseases, and requires approval and the woman’s willingness to serve.
He stressed that the initiative is sustainable within the services of health units and maternal and child centers, within the framework of activating and improving the quality of routine services provided by maternal and child care, and includes conducting a clinical examination to assess the general condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus and discovering risk factors that may accompany pregnancy, tetanus vaccination, and measuring height and weight. Blood pressure, various analyzes needed to detect anemia, or to determine whether the mother needs an Anti-D injection after childbirth, in addition to a complete urine analysis to detect albumin and urinary system diseases, and the necessary micronutrients are dispensed during pregnancy.