Kabul: The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the Taliban to immediately lift restrictions on Afghan female aid workers following a devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan that has claimed over 2,200 lives and left thousands more injured.
The magnitude 6 earthquake that struck on September 1 has worsened an already critical humanitarian situation. Women in the affected regions face severe barriers to accessing medical care due to the Taliban's restrictions on female aid workers.
Dr. Mukta Sharma, WHO’s Deputy Representative in Afghanistan, warned that the lack of female medical staff is a major concern. Currently, about 90% of medical personnel in the region are male, with the remaining 10% primarily midwives and nurses. Many women are hesitant to seek treatment from male providers, particularly after experiencing traumatic events.
The Taliban's policy requiring female aid workers to travel with a male guardian has further limited access to essential medical services. Dr. Sharma emphasized that this restriction is preventing female healthcare professionals from reaching women in urgent need of care, exacerbating the crisis.
The earthquake has intensified existing challenges in Afghanistan’s healthcare system. Funding cuts, including reductions from the United States, have already led to the closure of approximately 80 health facilities this year. Damage from the earthquake has placed additional strain on a system struggling to meet basic healthcare needs.
Since 2022, the Taliban’s ban on women working for most non-governmental organizations has forced many female healthcare workers to leave their positions, contributing to increased trauma and mental health issues among women.
WHO is urging the Taliban to grant exemptions to allow female aid workers to operate without male guardians, ensuring women in the affected regions can access critical healthcare. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation, emphasizing that immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life.