Maternal health under the Taliban in Afghanistan: current status and challenges

Maternal mortality remains a significant issue in low and middle-income countries, including Afghanistan, despite global efforts to reduce it. Afghanistan has made progress in providing primary healthcare services, but regional disparities persist. The recent Taliban takeover has raised concerns about women's rights and access to healthcare, as international aid has decreased and strict limitations have been imposed on women. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the status of maternal health under the Taliban by exploring the views of healthcare experts on current health challenges and the strategies being used to address them.

A qualitative approach was chosen for its ability to delve into complex issues and capture rich insights. Snowball sampling was used due to challenges in accessing participants, particularly females, in Afghanistan. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted virtually with healthcare providers and professionals working in Afghanistan through Microsoft Teams. Data was analyzed using a thematic approach.

Findings revealed that restrictions on women's lives, shortages of female care providers, unemployment and poverty, social norms, and systemic issues like limited capacity, funding, and medicine shortages are adversely affecting maternal health conditions in the country. It was found that access to health facilities has improved due to better security situation. Despite these obstacles, key health stakeholders are using different strategies to address them, including community engagement, improved communication, and advocating for prioritized funding.

To conclude, maternal healthcare in Afghanistan has worsened since the collapse of the former government in August 2021. Restrictions on women's rights, coupled with funding cuts and shortages of medicines, have hindered healthcare access. Providers face challenges navigating Taliban rules while advocating for women's health. Urgent action is needed to prevent further setbacks in maternal health.