Pregnant Women in Remote Afghan Villages Face Limited Access to Healthcare Services
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reported that pregnant women and mothers in remote villages of Afghanistan are facing a severe shortage of health services, with many lacking access to basic care. On Wednesday, March 3, the agency emphasized in a report that long distances to healthcare centers and inadequate facilities are putting maternal health at risk.
According to the report, poor roads and the absence of nearby health centers in villages force many pregnant women to give birth at home without the presence of trained healthcare professionals, a situation that increases the likelihood of serious complications for both mothers and newborns.
UNFPA has stated that to address this challenge, mobile health teams have been deployed to these areas. These teams provide prenatal care, safe delivery services, and postnatal care to women.
The report further explains that families are also receiving education to monitor the mother’s recovery and to become familiar with proper newborn care methods, nutrition principles, hygiene, and warning signs.
While these mobile services meet some urgent needs, ongoing restrictions and the lack of healthcare infrastructure in many provinces demonstrate that sustainable access to quality health services remains a fundamental challenge for Afghan women. This challenge requires serious attention and action from the Taliban administration, alongside continued support from the international community.
