The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently revealed stark maternal health challenges in Afghanistan, reporting that every two hours, a mother dies from preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. According to UNFPA, Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare system and limited access to maternal and reproductive health services, especially in rural regions, put mothers and newborns at severe risk.

“Afghanistan remains one of the most difficult places in the world for women to give birth. Every two hours, a mother’s life is lost due to preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth,” UNFPA stated.

UNFPA’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Pio Smith, noted the added psychological burdens on Afghan women and girls from prolonged conflict, restrictions, and job losses. Smith highlighted UNFPA’s ongoing efforts to support the 63% of Afghanistan’s population under 25 years of age, reporting that “this year alone, UNFPA has assisted over 660,000 young Afghans, of which 80 percent are female.”