The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday announced plans to continue supporting healthcare workers in Afghanistan throughout the coming year, as the country grapples with an increasingly strained healthcare system.
In a statement, UNICEF said it currently provides support to 28,000 health workers and nurses in Afghanistan. This assistance aims to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services to mothers and children, who are among the most vulnerable populations in the country.
UNICEF’s commitment comes amid growing concerns about the impact of the Taliban’s restrictions on women, which threaten the functionality of healthcare services for mothers, children, and women.
Last month, the Taliban banned women and girls from studying in medical institutes and issued warnings to healthcare providers. Experts warn that this policy could exacerbate the shortage of female healthcare professionals, severely impacting the delivery of medical care to women and children.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Economy has also reaffirmed its prohibition on women working in domestic and international non-governmental organizations. Groups found employing women face the threat of being shut down, further limiting access to essential services.
In a related development, local sources in Kandahar told Amu TV that several international non-governmental organizations in the province have been forced to close following Taliban directives. The closures are expected to further restrict public access to critical services, including healthcare, in a country already facing severe humanitarian challenges.
