The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned that restricted access to healthcare for Afghan women and mothers in emergency situations is driving up maternal mortality and illness rates across the country.

In a statement posted on X, the organization highlighted how reduced access to healthcare services, including by midwives and nurses, is severely impacting maternal health.

“Despite the challenges, we are committed to providing lifesaving healthcare to mothers in remote areas,” the UNFPA said, emphasizing its efforts to support vulnerable populations.

The agency previously warned that pregnant and breastfeeding women in Afghanistan are facing heightened risks due to the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. These risks, it noted, stem from broader systemic issues, including the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights.