Since 5 November, local restrictions have been implemented in Herat province, Afghanistan, requiring female patients, caretakers, and staff to wear a burqa to enter public health facilities, including at Herat regional hospital. This sudden enforcement adds limitations to women’s participation in everyday life and places additional barriers on their ability to access essential healthcare. Between 5 and 7 November, under this new enforcement, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which supports paediatric services inside Herat regional hospital, already observed a 28 per cent drop in admissions.

“These restrictions further impede women’s lives and limit their access to healthcare,” says Sarah Chateau, MSF programme manager. “Female patients and caretakers are now barred from entering the hospital unless they wear a burqa, meaning that access to care is determined by clothing rather than medical need.”

“Each restriction placed on women as patients translates into delayed or denied medical care,” adds Chateau. “We know that this will have severe consequences for children and mothers who already face enormous barriers to accessing health services in Afghanistan.”