Bayan News – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports that in the current situation in Afghanistan, there is an urgent need for 18,000 midwives.
This UN agency released a report on Thursday, August 22, regarding health centers and the shortage of midwives across Afghanistan. According to the report, the country currently urgently needs 18,000 midwives.
According to the report, the existing midwives meet about 90% of the needs of health centers, maternal care, newborns, and adolescent girls.
The United Nations has warned that if these urgent needs are not met, the lives of many women in different parts of Afghanistan will be at risk.
The United Nations Population Fund said that in 2021 it supported more than 70 family health clinics in Afghanistan, but this number has now increased more than sixfold to 477 clinics, despite a very challenging operational environment.
According to the report, these clinics have helped more than five million Afghans access vital health services, especially in remote and inaccessible areas, since 2021.
Maternal Mortality
The report clearly states that Afghanistan remains one of the countries in the world with a high maternal mortality rate.
According to the fund, these mortalities are largely preventable with the care of skilled midwives.
The United Nations Children’s Fund reported that for every 100,000 births, 638 mothers lose their lives during childbirth, which is due to poverty, limited access to health services, and gender inequality.
Referring to the restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women’s education, work, and travel, the fund said that the outlook for this situation for women, girls, and future generations in Afghanistan appears more dangerous.
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