EU Warns That Women's Health Crisis in Afghanistan Is Worsening

The European Union's humanitarian aid office issued a grave warning that the maternal health crisis in Afghanistan is deteriorating. The statement emphasized that factors such as restrictions on women's education and limited access to health services are leaving mothers and newborns at much greater risk. It was noted that the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, and that years of conflict, economic hardship, and a shortage of health workers have exacerbated this situation. It was recorded that the comprehensive restrictions imposed since the Taliban came to power in August 2021 have further deepened the crisis in the health sector and increased the risk of preventable deaths. ECHO, the unit conducting the European Commission's humanitarian aid operations, reported that support for maternal and newborn health services across the country continues but did not share details of the aid amount.

The impact of the Taliban administration's policies towards women continues to be felt heavily in the health sector. The administration has imposed bans on secondary and higher education for girls and women, restricted women's work in many fields, and took measures hindering their participation in public life. The situation became even more dire; in December 2024, the Taliban's supreme leader banned women from nursing and midwifery, closing one of the last remaining paths to higher education. Aid organizations state that this ban prevents the training of female health workers and deepens existing shortages, constituting a major problem given that many women in Afghanistan agree to be treated only by female personnel. Additionally, according to reports by UN monitors, this ban remains in effect and has completely halted the education of future health workers.

International organizations and aid groups have issued a series of warnings voicing their growing concerns over the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The World Health Organization, the United Nations Population Fund, and other institutions called for increased investment in maternal health, issuing warnings that funding gaps and restrictions on women working in the sector could lead to inevitable increases in maternal and infant deaths. It is noted that the decrease in the number of female health workers is one of the biggest factors preventing women from seeking health services, and this situation could leave permanent damage on public health. Although the de facto authorities of the Taliban administration generally continue to allow female midwives and doctors to treat women, these services face numerous obstacles. These obstacles include existing funding shortages and broader restrictions on women's freedom of movement and education.

Afghanistan stands out as one of the countries experiencing the largest humanitarian crises globally, and the number of people in need is increasing day by day. According to the United Nations' estimates, in 2026, approximately 21.9 million people, or nearly half of the population, will be in need of humanitarian aid. This immense burden has been further compounded by the large-scale return of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan, which multiplies the pressure on the already strained health services. The insufficiency of resources and infrastructure within the country renders managing this mass movement impossible, making the support of the international community vital. Aid officials emphasize that continuing operations necessary to meet the basic needs of the Afghan people is difficult but possible, though more resources are needed.

The European Union maintains its position as one of the largest donors providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and channels its aid through partners such as UN agencies and civil society organizations. While the EU humanitarian aid office did not provide detailed information on how much of the provided funds is specifically allocated to maternal and newborn care, it announced that support for health services in the country will continue steadfastly. The statement called for the continuation of aid efforts to protect vulnerable mothers and children and stated that the sensitivity of the international community on this issue needs to be increased. It was emphasized that under current conditions, every kind of aid is needed to resolve the health crisis in Afghanistan, but that ensuring safe and unimpeded access is also essential for this.