Planning Minister Hala el Said said overpopulation is an "issue of national security" as it has been stated by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Human population growth was amounting to around 20 million every 28 years, but it is now increasing to 20 million each eight years, Said said in a televised speech on Tuesday16/2/2021.

Rapid overpopulation is "devouring" fruits of economic development made by the state, she said.

The state investment in human development in the health and education sector has increased by about 500% in the last five years, added the planning minister.

Women empowerment is a top priority to face the overpopulation problem, she noted.

Meanwhile, Said said the novel Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected several economic sectors worldwide.

Thus, the state is acting to re-arrange its priorities, according to Said.

MENA

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