Newsroom
Cyprus has seen a notable increase in cesarean deliveries in recent years, now reporting some of the highest rates in Europe and worldwide. Data from the Health Monitoring Unit show that nearly six in ten births were delivered by cesarean section in 2022 and 2023, with about 41 percent planned and the remainder classified as emergency procedures.
Health authorities warn that the rising number of surgical births has implications beyond individual patients. Hospitals are under pressure to manage resources and staffing, while mothers face the potential risks of surgery and extended recovery.
Premature births are also a significant concern. Roughly one in eight babies in Cyprus is born before the 37th week of pregnancy, a proportion that remained near 13 percent over the last two years. Premature infants often require intensive medical care, while families bear emotional, social, and financial burdens. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, a figure that continues to rise.
In response, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Press and Information Office, has launched an awareness campaign titled “Natural Birth: The Miracle of Life… Naturally.” The initiative aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the benefits of vaginal birth and the importance of reducing unnecessary cesarean procedures. Officials emphasize that cesareans remain essential in certain cases but should be reserved for medically necessary situations.
The campaign also highlights the right of every woman to be fully informed and to have a birth experience suited to her personal and medical circumstances. Authorities note that supporting natural childbirth can improve outcomes for both mothers and babies while easing pressure on the healthcare system.
Health experts caution that Cyprus’ high rates of cesarean and premature deliveries are part of a broader public health challenge. Addressing these trends, they say, will require coordinated action across hospitals, policymakers, social organizations, and families, combined with education to shift perceptions and practices around childbirth.
Officials describe the vision of the National Strategy as aiming to provide every newborn with the healthiest possible start and to ensure that women experience a safe, supported, and informed childbirth. They stress that achieving this goal requires collective effort, collaboration across sectors, and active participation from all stakeholders.
As Cyprus confronts these intertwined challenges, the focus is on balancing medical necessity with maternal choice, while safeguarding the long-term health of both mothers and infants.
