WHO: Restrictions on Female Doctors in Quake-Hit Areas Should Be Lifted

The deputy of the World Health Organization for Afghanistan, in an interview with Reuters, has called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to lift restrictions on female aid workers so they can provide health services to affected women in the earthquake-stricken areas of eastern Afghanistan.

Mukta Sharma said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow female doctors to travel without a mahram (male guardian), which has hindered the delivery of services to affected women. She described the reduction in the number of female health workers as a serious challenge, adding that only 10 percent of health workers in these areas are women, mostly midwives and nurses.

Regarding the number of female staff, she added: “This was hampering care as women were uncomfortable or afraid to interact with male staff and travel alone to receive care.”

Reuters, citing the United Nations, also reported that 11,600 pregnant women have been affected by the earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Najibullah Hanif, head of the Department of Information and Culture in Kunar, told on Sunday that male and female aid workers can provide services in affected areas without any restrictions.

He said: “We call on charity organizations and the international community to contribute to managing this crisis. There are no restrictions, whether for female doctors or male doctors. We are providing opportunities for everyone and we assure them that they can come to Kunar and visit the affected areas.”

The Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not yet commented on this matter.