Maternal mortality in Afghanistan: Challenges, efforts, and recommendations
Zoaib Habib Tharwani, Prince Kumar, Sean Kaisser Shaeen, Zarmina Islam, Mohammad Yasir Essar, Shoaib Ahmad
Abstract
Maternal mortality is a major concern in Afghanistan. Even though the mortality rate is decreasing, Afghanistan still ranks below most countries in terms of maternal mortality. Challenges such as political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and unskilled staff are proving to be a burden on the healthcare system of Afghanistan, which has become an obstacle for the aim of further reducing the rate. Along with the struggling healthcare system, illiteracy and ignorance are further exacerbating the maternal health issues. In order to address these challenges, the Taliban must work alongside international organizations on improving the basic healthcare facilities, build more maternity clinics, provide better training for the medical staff, and educate citizens.