EU Warns Over Maternal Health Crisis in Afghanistan

DID Press: The European Union has voiced concern over Afghanistan’s persistently high maternal mortality rate, reaffirming its commitment to supporting maternal and newborn healthcare services across the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the European Union said its representatives, together with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), visited a midwife-led maternal healthcare center in Logar Province.

According to the EU, the facility operates with its financial support and provides trained midwife-led services, including antenatal care, safe childbirth and postnatal care for mothers and newborns.

The bloc stressed that access to skilled health workers, prenatal care, safe delivery services and postnatal support is essential to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

Afghanistan continues to face severe maternal and child health challenges due to decades of conflict, economic hardship, shortages of healthcare personnel and limited access to medical services, particularly in remote areas.

International organizations have repeatedly warned that declining health-sector funding and reduced humanitarian assistance could further undermine the delivery of life-saving healthcare services for women and children across Afghanistan.