EU Warns Afghanistan Still Faces One of World’s Highest Maternal Mortality Rates

The European Union highlighted maternal healthcare support in Afghanistan, warning the country remains among those with the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. The European Union has highlighted ongoing efforts to improve maternal and newborn healthcare in Afghanistan, saying the country continues to face one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. In a post on X on Sunday, the EU said its representatives, together with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), visited a midwife-led maternity care center in Logar province. The EU said the facility, supported financially by the bloc, provides maternal and newborn healthcare services through trained midwives, including support for safe childbirth and essential care before and after delivery. The bloc said access to skilled healthcare workers, prenatal services, safe delivery facilities and postnatal care remains critical to preventing avoidable deaths among Afghan mothers and newborns. Afghanistan continues to face major challenges in maternal and child health due to decades of conflict, economic hardship, shortages of medical professionals and limited access to healthcare facilities, particularly in remote and rural areas. International health agencies have repeatedly warned that disruptions to healthcare funding and reduced humanitarian support could further affect essential services for women and children across the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNFPA have called for sustained investment in maternal and reproductive healthcare, emphasizing the importance of trained birth attendants, emergency obstetric services and access to basic medical care. The European Union remains one of Afghanistan’s key humanitarian donors, supporting healthcare programs that include maternal health services, reproductive healthcare and training for medical workers. Afghanistan has historically recorded one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, with many deaths linked to preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Health organizations say improved access to skilled birth attendants, emergency care and timely medical assistance can significantly reduce maternal and newborn deaths. The country’s healthcare system has faced increasing pressure since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, as international development funding declined and humanitarian needs expanded. Aid agencies have warned that continued financial constraints could threaten access to life-saving healthcare services, especially for women and children. The post EU Warns Afghanistan Still Faces One of World’s Highest Maternal Mortality Rates appeared first on Khaama Press.