Nicosia, Cyprus. Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said the number of caesarean sections performed in Cyprus remains particularly high and continues to rise, adding that efforts are underway to gradually reduce the rate.
Minister calls for coordinated approach
Charalambides said promoting natural childbirth is not only about reducing a numerical indicator but about improving the quality of care, ensuring proper and evidence-based use of medical interventions, and safeguarding the health and well-being of both mother and newborn.
He said the growing number of caesarean sections requires a coordinated, multi-level approach, including better education and support for women and their families to help them make informed decisions about childbirth.
Charalambides said the shared goal is the gradual reduction of caesarean sections, with safety as the priority for both mother and newborn, and that achieving this requires consistency, cooperation and continuous evaluation of interventions.
National strategy and four main pillars
He said promoting natural childbirth and reducing premature births must remain at the centre of a coordinated effort involving scientists, healthcare professionals, the government and society as a whole.
Charalambides said the health ministry, in close cooperation with scientific bodies, healthcare professionals and patient representatives, has developed and begun implementing a national strategy for the promotion of natural childbirth and the reduction of premature births.
He said the strategy focuses on four pillars: strengthening policies and improving quality within the healthcare system, training and empowering health professionals, providing citizens with reliable and comprehensive information, and continuously monitoring indicators while promoting research.
Figures for Cyprus and comparisons
Health ministry data show caesarean sections in Cyprus in 2021 accounted for 59 per cent of births, compared to an EU average of below 30 per cent, and the rate rose further in subsequent years. World Health Organization guidelines say the limit should be 15 per cent of all live births.
In 2022, out of 10,373 births in Cyprus, 60 per cent were caesarean sections. In 2023, the percentage increased to 62.31 per cent.
Data previously presented to Cypriot MPs showed that in 2021 only 15-17 per cent of caesarean sections were performed to save the mother and child, while 40 per cent were planned and 38 per cent were recorded as being by the mother’s choice.
What steps do you think would help families in Cyprus make more informed decisions about childbirth?
