Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed said that she plans to bring the country’s population growth rate down to 111 million instead of 119 million by 2030. During the press conference, headed by Zayed at the headquarters of the National Council for Population, Zayed said overpopulation is a very important issue because it devours all developmental efforts in Egypt. The minister also announced assigning a task force on the population problem, set to begin work starting Sunday. The council will conduct research and studies to spread awareness of the danger of overpopulation and its consequences, Zayed explained. Dr Amr Hassan, the council’s rapporteur, said that the meeting was the first of its kind in four years with a health minister.

Source: Egypt Independent January 28, 2019 12:00 UTC