WHO Warns of Maternal Health Risks in Afghanistan Despite Progress
The World Health Organization has once again expressed concern about the serious risks women face during pregnancy and childbirth in Afghanistan.
In a statement, the organization said that although the country has witnessed progress in the health sector in recent years, especially in maternal and newborn care, maternal health risks remain high. Antenatal care coverage has increased from 31% to 76%, and skilled birth attendance has risen from 24% to 67%. However, mothers still face serious health risks during pregnancy and delivery.
According to the data presented in the statement, the maternal mortality rate remains high, reaching 521 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The WHO statement noted: “While child mortality has declined from 129 deaths per 1000 live births in 2000 to 56 in 2023, maternal mortality remains high at 521 deaths per 100 000 live births. In Afghanistan, 521 mother die in each 100000 life birth from preventable complications such as hemorrhage, hypertension, sepsis and obstructed labor.
Farima Sakhi Nooristani, a doctor, told : “Sometimes families bring patients to health centers too late; in some areas of the country, proper health facilities and services do not exist. These factors, along with others, contribute to maternal deaths.”
Meanwhile, gynecology and obstetrics specialists in the country believe that increasing the number of female healthcare workers and creating job opportunities for them in remote areas could significantly reduce maternal mortality.
Another doctor, Shafiqa Haidari said: “Although educational opportunities for girls are closed, we still have trained female health workers who currently lack job opportunities. If they are recruited through the Ministry of Public Health and health organizations and sent to districts, they can help prevent complications in pregnant women in a timely manner and reduce maternal deaths.”
The Ministry of Public Health has not commented on this issue, but it had previously stated that it has initiated programs such as increasing healthcare staff and establishing new structures to reduce maternal mortality.
