UNFPA warns limited maternal healthcare access endangers women in rural Afghanistan
The United Nations Population Fund said access to healthcare services for women and pregnant mothers remains severely limited in remote villages of Afghanistan.
In a report released on Wednesday, UNFPA said poor roads, long distances to hospitals and the absence of nearby health facilities often force pregnant women to give birth at home without skilled medical assistance.
The agency said mobile health teams are operating in these areas, providing antenatal care, safe delivery services and postnatal support to women in hard-to-reach communities.
According to the report, families also receive training on maternal recovery, newborn care, nutrition, hygiene and recognition of warning signs during and after pregnancy.
UNFPA said these mobile services have helped reduce childbirth-related risks and brought a sense of safety and hope to families in remote regions.
Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, with decades of conflict, poverty and fragile health infrastructure limiting access to essential reproductive health services.
Since 2021, funding shortages and restrictions affecting female health workers have further strained the healthcare system, particularly in rural areas where women depend heavily on community-based services.
UN agencies warn that without sustained international support, maternal and newborn health indicators could deteriorate further, putting thousands of lives at risk each year.
UNFPA said expanding mobile outreach, strengthening local clinics and ensuring the presence of trained female staff remain critical steps to safeguarding maternal health in Afghanistan’s most isolated communities.
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