UNICEF Stresses Vital Role of Female Health Workers in Combating Child Malnutrition in Afghanistan
Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, visited a treatment center in Kabul supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund, which provides services to children suffering from malnutrition. During his visit, he underscored the importance of female health workers in delivering essential care.
On Sunday, December 13, Wijesekera posted on social media platform X, describing how a female nurse at the center was directly caring for malnourished children. He emphasized that the experience highlighted the need for sustained investment in female health workers in Afghanistan, noting their critical role in saving children’s lives.
Previously, Mohamed Ayoya, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, warned that the country faces one of the world’s most severe nutrition crises. According to Ayoya, 3.5 million children suffer from acute malnutrition and around one million more are severely emaciated and at serious risk.
In August of this year, the United Nations also warned of a worsening malnutrition crisis among Afghan children. However, on Sunday, December 6, the organization reported that the Taliban authorities have barred female UN staff from returning to office over the past three months.
Aid organizations stress that continued restrictions, particularly in the health and nutrition sectors, directly threaten life-saving services and jeopardize access to essential care for millions of vulnerable children. The ongoing limitations have drawn growing criticism and raised serious concerns about the Taliban administration’s restrictive policies.
