Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

5 months ago - 213 Visits

With the increasing restrictions on women's work in the health sector and the prohibition of their education in medical fields, OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, states that for every 100,000 childbirths, 600 Afghan women lose their lives, a figure that is three times the global average. OCHA has expressed concern over the high maternal mortality rates during childbirth and stated that the current government's restrictions on women's employment in healthcare have limited their access to medical care. The report notes that on December 2, 2024, the current government announced that all educational institutions for women in the medical field, including vocational training and higher education programs, would be closed. This decree poses a serious threat to the future of public health in the country. The agency mentioned that female employees in humanitarian organizations are facing even more restrictions, and with the intensification of these limitations, especially in remote areas, more women will be deprived of prenatal and postnatal care, vaccinations, and other vital services. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs emphasized that in addition to the ban on women's education in medical fields, female health workers face other challenges; increased restrictions on movement, the requirement of a male guardian for work-related travel, and frequent inspections at checkpoints are significant obstacles for women and girls in providing healthcare and accessing health facilities. Niloufar, a health worker in Afghanistan, is mentioned in the report as someone who sometimes travels to different provinces to provide services to women and girls; however, her journeys are fraught with challenges and restrictions imposed by the current government on women and girls over the past three years. She noted the increasing restrictions imposed by the current government on women, stating: "Being a woman in Afghanistan is a challenge in itself. Being a woman while pursuing a professional career is even more difficult." It is worth mentioning that concerns regarding the rising mortality rates among women and children in Afghanistan have increased in recent months. Afghanistan has had one of the highest maternal mortality rates during childbirth for decades.

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5 months ago - 189 Visits

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports that health ministers from countries around the world expressed concern over the rise of childhood polio cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan during the Executive Board meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. Serious actions are being taken in response to this issue. An alliance known as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative announced on Friday, February 8, that the WHO Executive Board meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland, where there was an emphasis on strengthening surveillance activities not only in high-risk areas but also in other regions, including borders. Dr. Hanan Balkhi, head of the regional office of the World Health Organization, stated at the meeting: "On behalf of our region and the leaders of both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), I assure you that our commitment to eradicating this virus is stronger than ever." He emphasized, "We must reach every child and vaccinate them. We also need to continue searching for the polio virus to prevent its further spread. Achieving this goal is not simple." In part of his remarks, he added that Afghanistan and Pakistan face significant geopolitical, infrastructural, environmental, and security challenges that have led to an increase in childhood polio cases. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative's statement also mentioned that WHO member countries at the Geneva meeting called for a stronger response to eradicate this disease, including maximizing polio vaccination efforts. Health officials from various countries at the meeting stressed the importance of implementing more activities in this regard and highlighted the necessity of establishing strong, resilient, and equitable health systems. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world where the polio virus is still circulating and continues to claim the lives of children. In 2024, Pakistan reported 73 cases and Afghanistan reported 25 cases of polio. While Afghanistan has not reported any additional polio cases so far, Pakistani officials reported the first positive polio case in 2025 last week.

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5 months ago - 255 Visits

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari Following the suspension of U.S. financial aid to Afghanistan, the operations of dozens of aid organizations in the country have come to a halt. This has raised serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, as these organizations played a crucial role in providing essential services to those in need. According to local and international news agencies, Afghanistan's caretaker government’s Ministry of Economy has announced that 50 aid organizations have ceased their operations in the country. These organizations were financially supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and were engaged in sectors such as healthcare, demining, education, and other humanitarian activities. Their operations were spread across various regions of Afghanistan, assisting vulnerable communities in different areas. The suspension of their activities follows the U.S. government’s decision to pause financial aid to most countries, including Afghanistan, for 90 days. Although, according to a Reuters report, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered that "lifesaving" and "food aid" be exempt from this suspension, it remains unclear whether this exemption includes Afghanistan. This uncertainty has further fueled concerns regarding the future of humanitarian assistance to the country. The shutdown of these aid organizations could have severe consequences for the Afghan people, especially those who rely on humanitarian aid for survival. This situation calls for immediate attention from the international community and efforts to find sustainable solutions to ensure the continuation of essential aid to the Afghan people. The Ongoing Hunger Crisis in Afghanistan and WFP’s Warning The World Food Program (WFP) has warned of the dire consequences of reducing or cutting humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, emphasizing that this action could lead to extreme hunger for millions during the upcoming winter. Hsiu-Wey Lee, WFP’s director in Afghanistan, expressed concern over the current situation, stating that many Afghans are surviving solely on bread and tea. Due to budget cuts, half of the 15 million people in need of food assistance will be deprived of aid during the harsh winter ahead. According to Lee, this means that over six million people will likely consume only one or two meals a day—primarily consisting of bread and tea. This grim reality is what many people who are left without assistance are currently facing. Lee further urged policymakers and donors to consider the needs of the Afghan people, especially women and children, highlighting that WFP has worked to reassure donors concerned about restrictions on women that aid is still reaching women and children in need. According to United Nations statistics, in 2025, an estimated 22.9 million people in Afghanistan will require humanitarian assistance, and at least 15 million will struggle to secure their next meal. UN officials warn that cutting or reducing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan will worsen hunger levels and put millions of lives at risk. These warnings come as Afghanistan continues to grapple with multiple challenges, including extreme poverty, insecurity, climate change, and social and economic restrictions. The continuation of humanitarian aid is crucial to preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in the country. Rising Malnutrition Rates Child malnutrition has long been a serious concern in Afghanistan, but this year it has escalated into a full-blown crisis. Shocking warnings have been issued by the United Nations and other international organizations in this regard. According to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the number of children under five suffering from malnutrition in Afghanistan is expected to rise to 3.5 million in 2025. Over the past five years, three million children under five have already suffered from acute malnutrition. These statistics highlight the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for immediate action. One of the main factors exacerbating this situation is the suspension of U.S. financial aid to Afghanistan, which has significantly reduced funding for humanitarian programs. OCHA has called for continued aid, stressing that humanitarian assistance can save children from hunger and malnutrition by providing them with consistent and nutritious food. Previously, the United Nations reported that over 12 million children and breastfeeding mothers in Afghanistan face malnutrition. Additionally, the rise in poverty and unemployment following the caretaker government’s takeover has worsened the situation, leading to an increase in malnutrition rates among children and breastfeeding women. Many families, due to dire economic conditions, are unable to provide adequate and nutritious food for their children. At the same time, those suffering from malnutrition lack access to sufficient healthcare services, and this year alone, dozens of people have died due to the suspension of health aid. This crisis is not merely a food-related issue; it is also a major health emergency that requires urgent and comprehensive attention.

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5 months ago - 183 Visits

The European Union Office for Afghanistan, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, visited a cancer treatment center and stated that special medical training for women is necessary to combat this disease. In a message posted on its X account to mark World Cancer Day, the union emphasized the need for medical education for women in Afghanistan. It continued: "To effectively address health challenges in Afghanistan, we need medical training for women." The European Union Office for Afghanistan mentioned in part of its message that it supports this cancer treatment center in collaboration with the World Health Organization. World Cancer Day is an initiative by the Union for International Cancer Control aimed at bringing together cancer patients, supporting them, and working to reduce the disease globally. Every year, around 20,000 people in Afghanistan are diagnosed with various types of cancer, of which more than 15,000 lose their lives to the disease. The most common types of cancer include breast, stomach, esophagus, lip, mouth, cervical, and lung cancers. Recently, Sharafat Zaman Amir Khail, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, reported an increase in the number of cancer patients in Afghanistan. The ministry stated that at least 6,000 new cases of cancer were registered in the country last year. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health mentioned that approximately 24,000 people sought medical assistance across Afghanistan due to cancer-related illnesses last year. However, the ministry has not provided specific statistics on the mortality rate of this disease in Afghanistan.

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5 months ago - 201 Visits

Pio Smith, the director of the Asia and Pacific division at the United Nations Population Fund, states that the suspension of U.S. financial aid will deprive millions of Afghans of access to health and reproductive services. Smith has indicated that if this situation continues over the next three years, it will result in the deaths of more than a thousand mothers due to childbirth in Afghanistan. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an order to halt foreign aid for 90 days. This decision has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations worldwide that depend on U.S. funding. Although the Trump administration later issued exemptions for food aid and other urgent humanitarian assistance, aid workers say the impact of this action is already being felt by some of the most vulnerable people in the world. The director of the Asia and Pacific division at the United Nations Population Fund emphasized that over 9 million people in Afghanistan and more than 1.2 million Afghan refugees and migrants in Pakistan will lose access to healthcare services due to the closure of health centers. He added that Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates due to childbirth in the world, with a mother dying every two hours from preventable pregnancy-related complications. He stated, "When our projects are not funded, women are forced to give birth alone and in unhygienic conditions. Newborns die from preventable causes. These individuals are truly the most vulnerable people in the world." He further noted, "If we only consider Afghanistan, between 2025 and 2028, we estimate that the lack of U.S. support will lead to 1,200 maternal deaths during childbirth and over 100,000 unintended pregnancies." Smith acknowledged that U.S. financial aid has prevented 3,800 deaths during pregnancy worldwide in 2023. He added, "Just in our region, the United Nations Population Fund needs over $308 million this year to continue essential services in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan." Additionally, Riva Skinazi, director of public relations at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, told Reuters that this federation will also be forced to suspend family planning and sexual and reproductive health services in West Africa. She said, "We will see an increase in unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths. The delivery of contraceptive supplies to our members will be hampered. This is a disaster." The International Planned Parenthood Federation, which consists of national organizations advocating for sexual and reproductive health, estimates that in 13 countries, primarily in Africa, it will have to forgo receiving at least $61 million in U.S. financial aid over the next four years.

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5 months ago - 212 Visits

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Afghanistan has announced that women and girls in the country are at increased risk of mortality and various diseases due to lack of access to healthcare. In a message posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account, the organization expressed concern over the restricted access of Afghan women and girls to safe and effective healthcare services. It also stated that, in collaboration with the UK, it is providing life-saving services to ensure women can access healthcare without obstacles. Quoting Fauzia, a woman from Nangarhar province, UNFPA reported: “My child is very sick. I have two other children who were also born at home. Without money, we couldn’t go anywhere for medical help.” Malalai Amin, a worker at a health center in the same province, also emphasized that villagers cannot afford the costs of treatment at distant healthcare facilities. Malalai added: “People have high expectations from us because this clinic is in a very remote area. Poverty is widespread here, and people don’t even have 10 Afghanis to pay for transportation to other clinics or to buy medicine.” In its report, UNFPA stressed the need for sustainable investment to guarantee safe and unrestricted access to healthcare for women in Afghanistan. The organization stated: “Together with our partners and donors, we are providing life-saving healthcare services in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health to counter the severe impacts of the humanitarian crisis on women and girls.” It is worth noting that Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal and newborn mortality rates in the world. The lack of specialized medical staff, particularly female doctors, insufficient medical equipment, and the shortage of hospitals and healthcare centers in remote provinces are among the key factors contributing to the rising maternal and newborn mortality in the country. Health experts and international organizations have repeatedly warned that without adequate support for the healthcare system, the situation for women and children in Afghanistan will worsen. While many countries are reducing maternal mortality rates, Afghanistan continues to face a deep crisis in this area.

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5 months ago - 184 Visits

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed concern over the ongoing ban on girls' education in Afghanistan. It has urged the interim government to put an immediate end to this "blatant violation" of women's and girls' rights. In a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account, OCHA stated that the ban on girls' education beyond sixth grade, under the current administration, has now entered its third year. OCHA emphasized that over the past three years, 1.5 million teenage girls have been deprived of their right to education beyond sixth grade. Criticism and calls to lift this ban are growing as the new academic year in Afghanistan approaches. However, it remains unclear whether the interim government will allow girls to return to schools and universities in the upcoming school year. OCHA also published a statement from the organization Education Cannot Wait, stressing the urgent need to advocate for girls' and women's right to education under the current administration. Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the interim government has barred girls above sixth grade from attending school and later closed universities to them. In its latest move, it has also prohibited girls from studying at medical institutes, effectively cutting them off entirely from formal education. As a result, millions of female students have been denied access to education. In addition to this, women and girls have been banned from entering gyms, restaurants, public bathhouses, receiving medical check-ups from male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in local and international NGOs, including UN offices in Afghanistan.

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5 months ago - 228 Visits

Local sources in Bamyan province report that intelligence forces have arrested three foreign nationals, along with their translator and driver, in the Yakawlang district of the province. The three foreigners include two women and one man. At least three sources have stated that among those arrested is a married couple who also hold Afghan identification documents. The source added that their birthplaces, as recorded in their identification documents, are Sri Lanka and Singapore, respectively. The source further mentioned that the other foreign woman, who was arrested by Bamyan’s intelligence forces, holds an American passport but is originally a Chinese citizen. According to the source, these individuals were arrested yesterday (Saturday, February 1) in the Zarin area of Yakawlang district. Additionally, several media outlets have reported that the three foreign nationals flew from Kabul to Bamyan on a plane operated by Paktik Airlines, while their Bamyan-based translator and driver were waiting for them at Zarin airfield. Reports indicate that as soon as they landed at Zarin airfield in Yakawlang district, they were arrested by intelligence forces, along with their driver and translator, and transferred to the relevant authorities. The report further states that the foreign couple, who hold Afghan identification documents, have been living in Yakawlang, Bamyan, for three years, while the Chinese-American woman was visiting them as a guest. It remains unclear what the couple has been doing in Yakawlang, Bamyan. So far, local officials of the caretaker government in Bamyan have not commented on the matter. Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the caretaker government has arrested several foreign nationals, including some dual citizens.

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5 months ago - 307 Visits

The French newspaper Le Monde reports that 156 female medical staff have left their jobs at the French hospital in Kabul. The report states that there were 280 female medical staff working at this hospital, but currently only 124 are coming to work, and the absence of female healthcare providers from medical centers is a "nightmare" for the people of Afghanistan, especially for women and girls. In its report on the situation at the French hospital in Kabul, the newspaper writes that the restrictions imposed on female healthcare workers by the interim government have put half of the country's population at risk. It goes on to mention that out of nine patient resuscitation specialists at this hospital, eight have quit their jobs. Le Monde quotes Eric Chisson, the head of the French hospital in Kabul, as saying: "Anti-women policies are emptying Afghanistan of female healthcare providers. Currently, medical centers are closing one after another." The head of the French hospital in Kabul states that due to the reduced activities of international health organizations, the number of patients visiting this hospital is steadily increasing. He emphasized: "The influx of patients to this hospital is a tsunami." Eric Chisson added that the International Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders have reduced their health services in Afghanistan. This French official warned that these international organizations are in the process of leaving Afghanistan. Le Monde's report mentions that the current government's morality police are present to monitor the hallways and other areas of this hospital. The newspaper specifies that the morality police regularly oversee the separation of female and male staff and patients in this hospital. The report indicates that the Ministry of Public Health in Afghanistan forced the officials of the French hospital to remove a painting from the wall of this health center that depicted a woman embracing her child. While Le Monde warns of the decreasing number of female healthcare providers in Afghanistan, it notes that the current government has recently banned the remaining opportunities for women's medical education. This comes as the current government has prohibited the education of women and girls above the sixth grade for the past three years.

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5 months ago - 398 Visits

Author: Sara Karimi In a dusty alleyway of Kabul, a girl named Nadia lived with big dreams and a heart full of sorrow. From a young age, she knew that education and university were the only way to escape poverty, unemployment, family struggles, discrimination, and social inequalities. Nadia was born into a humble and poor family in a hidden corner of Kabul, where girls were mostly raised to do household chores and get married rather than pursue academic dreams. But Nadia thought differently, imagined differently, and saw the world through a unique lens. She attended school despite being criticized for being a girl. Many told her that education was unnecessary for girls, that they should stay at home and learn the customs of marriage and domestic life. Yet, from childhood, Nadia was determined to prove that girls could have big dreams, create change, and transform society. Her teachers recognized her as a hardworking and intelligent student. She excelled in all her subjects, and some of her classmates envied her. At home, her parents encouraged her, especially her father—a simple cart vendor—who believed in his daughter’s bright future. He would always say, "The world does not belong only to men. My daughter must become someone who brings great change." After years of struggle and overcoming social restrictions, Nadia finally succeeded in passing the university entrance exam. She was admitted to Kabul University to study economics, her passion. Her first days at university felt like a dream. With bright eyes and a heart full of hope, she attended classes enthusiastically. She was known among her classmates not only for her academic excellence but also for her determination, mindset, and perseverance. But her happiness did not last long. In the year when she was at the peak of her success, everything in Afghanistan changed. Once again, sorrow and pain took over her heart. The ruling regime returned to power, and one by one, universities and schools for girls were shut down. Nadia, who had fought for years to reach this moment, now faced an insurmountable wall of oppression and restrictions. Instead of sitting in classrooms and learning, she was forced to stay at home, reminiscing about her bright past and shedding tears over lost opportunities. Days felt endless, blending into nights. Nadia was confined to her home, but she never lost hope. She vowed that as long as she breathed, she would never abandon her pursuit of knowledge and dreams. At night, when her family slept, she would take out her books and study under the dim light of her lamp—the only source of brightness in her dark world. Books became her closest companions, giving her hope that maybe, one day, she could return to university. "The light of knowledge, passion, and effort still shines in my dark world, and hope remains alive in my heart," she told herself. Even when she saw the sorrow in her parents' eyes, knowing they felt helpless about her future, she remained strong. She believed that within every hardship, an opportunity was hidden. But sometimes, she wondered—would the world ever make enough space for a girl's dreams? One difficult day, a knock on the door shattered the silence. Nadia rose from her books, hearing footsteps approaching. The voices of men grew louder as they neared her home. Her heart pounded. She knew the authorities had come. In that moment, memories of her university days flashed before her eyes like a film. Fear gripped her, but deep inside, something told her she must keep going, even if she could never return to her studies. The regime's forces entered their home, bringing nothing but threats and fear. Their orders were clear: "Girls must stay at home and do household chores. There is no place for you in schools and universities anymore." At that moment, for the first time, Nadia told herself, "Even if I cannot study in this closed world, no one can take my dreams away from me. As long as hope lives in my heart, I am still free." That night, as she sat with her family, lost in memories, she made a silent promise: if the world ever gave her a chance, she would fight for all the girls in Afghanistan who were deprived of education. Nadia may not have returned to university that night, but her spirit and hope remained alive—in the hearts of all the girls who longed for freedom and education. And someday, in an unknown future, perhaps from behind these towering walls of oppression, the voices of girls like Nadia will rise—voices that the world will finally hear.

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