Pregnant woman in Bamiyan rode donkey for four hours to reach clinic
Doctors Without Borders has highlighted the difficulty pregnant women in remote parts of Bamiyan face in accessing medical services by sharing the story of Muslima. According to the organisation, on Monday evening, Oct. 20, Muslima travelled more than four hours by donkey from her mother’s house to a clinic in Baghak, Bamiyan, to give birth.
The shortage of health centres and the difficulty of travel are considered among the major challenges facing pregnant women in Bamiyan. According to 2022 reports, more than 40% of pregnant women in the province gave birth at home without the help of specialised medical staff.
Women and girls across Afghanistan also face serious barriers to accessing health services. The United Nations has said restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration on women have weakened the country’s health system and increased the need for medical services in Afghanistan.
By banning women from education and work, the Taliban administration has limited the opportunity to train and employ female doctors, nurses and midwives. According to UN Women, nearly one in three Afghan women has reported worsening access to health services.
The shortage of health workers, especially female specialists, remains one of the most serious challenges facing the health sector in various provinces of Afghanistan.
