Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world

The United Nations says that Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with an estimated 5,000 deaths per 100,000 births in rural areas The UN’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said on Friday that “every two hours, a pregnant woman dies in childbirth in Afghanistan.”

The Norwegian Committee for Afghanistan, a humanitarian organization, says that the maternal mortality rate in rural areas is five times higher than the national average.

Noorkhanam Ahmadzai, the health coordinator for the Tri-D Homes organization in Kabul, said that the economic crisis has increased the financial pressure on families.

“Despite the risks of childbirth, women now prefer to give birth at home because they don’t have the money,” she said.

It is estimated that about 40% of Afghan women give birth at home, and this figure is as high as 80% in rural areas.

The high maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan is due to a number of factors, including:

Lack of access to healthcare: Many Afghan women live in remote areas where they have limited access to healthcare facilities.

Poverty: Many Afghan families cannot afford to pay for healthcare, including childbirth.

Gender discrimination: Women in Afghanistan often face discrimination, which can make it difficult for them to access healthcare.

The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations are working to improve maternal health in Afghanistan. However, the crisis in the country has made it difficult to make progress.