UN: Hundreds of Afghan mothers die due to lack of medical care

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has stated that Afghanistan records one of the highest rates of maternal mortality globally, with an estimated 600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

OCHA emphasised that access to skilled medical personnel and the involvement of female healthcare workers are vital in reducing deaths among mothers and newborns, Caliber.Az reports, citing TOLOnews.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with approximately 600 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births.

OCHA said that skilled medical care and… pic.twitter.com/eqCHOrtbXe

— TOLOnews English (@TOLONewsEnglish) June 1, 2026

However, it noted that restrictions on women’s participation in the healthcare sector have significantly reduced access to essential and life-saving medical services for many families.

The report states that despite ongoing efforts to improve the healthcare system, limited access to maternal services continues to pose a serious challenge, particularly in remote and under-resourced regions where shortages of trained medical staff and facilities persist.

OCHA noted that insufficient maternal health services leave many women vulnerable to preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth, contributing to high mortality rates.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov