The initiative aims to early diagnose diseases transmitted from mothers to fetuses and to provide free treatment and medical care as part of the larger 100 Million Healthy Lives presidential initiative, according to Health Ministry Spokesperson Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar said.

He added that this initiative aims to achieve early diagnosis of hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis infections among pregnant women in addition to reducing the rate of maternal mortality from these diseases.

Furthermore, it includes follow-ups on mothers and their newly born babies for 42 days after delivery to detect any health complications as they arise, in addition to dispensing the necessary micronutrients during the postpartum period.

Abdel-Ghaffar added that the initiative guarantees the confidentiality of analysis and testing.

According to the health ministry, the initiative is being implemented by more than 4,000 medical teams in medical units and centres nationwide from 8am till 2pm throughout weekdays.

Cases that require further testing are referred to one of the many medical institutions affiliated with the ministry that serve patients suffering from hepatitis B, syphilis, or hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level) across the country.

In June, Egypt's health ministry conducted a campaign offering family planning and reproductive health services free of charge in rural and poor areas nationwide under the auspices of the Decent Life presidential initiative, said Abdel-Ghaffar.