UN Official Warns Taliban Restrictions Worsen Maternal Mortality in Afghanistan

A senior United Nations humanitarian official has warned that restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls are worsening Afghanistan's already high maternal mortality rate.

Olga Cheryko of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the measures further limit humanitarian responses and women's access to life-saving healthcare services. She highlighted a hospital in Bamyan province operating the region's only neonatal intensive care unit, which relies on many female health and aid workers.

Afghanistan has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates at approximately 600 deaths per 100,000 births. Cheryko noted that the Taliban's policies since returning to power have reduced the presence of women as health workers, creating challenges for female patients seeking medical services.

UNICEF previously cautioned that continued restrictions could lead to a shortage of 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030.