The Kabul Tribune (KT)— One mother dies every hour in Afghanistan from preventable complications such as bleeding, high blood pressure, infections and obstructed labor, the World Health Organization said Tuesday.
In a report released May 5, the agency said that despite improved access to health services in recent years, Afghan women continue to face serious risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
Maternal mortality remains high at 521 deaths per 100,000 live births, the report said.
However, prenatal care coverage has increased from 31% to 76%, and the presence of skilled health workers during childbirth has risen from 24% to 67% compared with 2007-08 levels.
Child mortality has also declined, from 129 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 56 in 2023.
The report said many women who survive childbirth suffer long-term complications, including obstetric fistula, a condition that can cause incontinence, chronic health problems and social isolation.
To address these challenges, maternal and child health services have been strengthened in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank. Two specialized fistula treatment centers have been established at Rabia Balkhi Hospital in Kabul and Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar.
The centers provide surgery and comprehensive care, including rehabilitation and support for social reintegration. They are expected to directly assist about 300 women and indirectly benefit roughly 300,000 women and girls of reproductive age.
More than 977 health workers have been trained to improve maternal and newborn care, the report said.
A WHO representative in Afghanistan said no woman should lack access to care during pregnancy and childbirth, and every newborn has the right to a safe start in life.
