UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has recently announced its support for health facilities across Afghanistan to ensure safe childbirth for women. In a statement released the organization stated that with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank, it is supporting the health workers of 2,400 healthcare centers in Afghanistan. This comes at a time when Afghanistan is facing a severe shortage of healthcare workers, particularly female health workers. This situation has restricted access to timely medical services for women, especially pregnant women in remote areas. Reports indicate that many women in remote regions still face risks due to a lack of nearby healthcare facilities. It is worth noting that Afghanistan is one of the countries with a high maternal and neonatal mortality rate. The lack of medical facilities, limited access to specialized training, and the long distances from villages to healthcare centers pose serious challenges in providing services to pregnant mothers. In many areas, women give birth at home or in small clinics, and midwives often work with limited resources and without immediate access to specialized guidance.

A recent study reveals that Afghan refugee children and adolescents who arrived in the UK unaccompanied are facing deep and lasting psychological trauma, including severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic loneliness. The University of East Anglia published this research, stating that researchers examined the situation of 12 unaccompanied minor refugees from Afghanistan who arrived in difficult conditions in the UK after the fall of Kabul in 2021, without the presence of parents or guardians. The findings indicate that participants were between 14 and 21 years old upon arrival in the UK and had experienced war, security threats, violence, separation from family, and the loss of close family members prior to their migration. Researchers note that the psychological effects of these experiences continue to impact the lives of these refugees even after years of living in the UK. Several participants reported still facing nightmares, intrusive thoughts, prolonged insomnia, and severe anxiety. The study indicates that many of these issues stem from memories of violence and war in Afghanistan. In recorded accounts from this research, some of these young individuals stated that reminders of family members' deaths or violent scenes increase their stress and even lead to physical pain. This study shows that some refugees are also experiencing physical symptoms resulting from psychological stress. Severe fatigue, chronic pain, and anxiety-related physical problems are among the issues reported by participants. Researchers added that this situation has, in some cases, led to limitations in daily activities and increased social isolation. They emphasized that loneliness and difficulties in establishing social relationships are among the most significant challenges faced by unaccompanied refugee children. However, researchers highlighted that some of these young people have managed to improve their mental health to some extent through supportive services, psychological counseling, social activities, and sports such as cricket, as well as building social connections. Ultimately, the study concludes that unaccompanied refugee children from Afghanistan are one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of mental health and require specialized, sustainable, and long-term support in host countries.

Carl Skau, the Director of Operations for the World Food Program, has recently stated that Afghanistan is facing the worst wave of malnutrition in its history, with five million children and mothers in need of treatment. Mr. Skau shared a message on his X account, reporting on his visit to a clinic near Jalalabad and calling for immediate funding and expedited humanitarian aid deliveries through Pakistan to Afghanistan. He emphasized that he witnessed desperate mothers returning empty-handed due to the depletion of specialized food for children and women. In his message, this UN official stressed the need for further actions to address the health challenges faced by the people. He also noted in another message that recent months have been particularly difficult for the people of Afghanistan. The Director of Operations for the World Food Program pointed out that the people of Afghanistan have endured significant hardships due to earthquakes, floods, conflicts with Pakistan, and the repercussions of the Middle East crisis. He added that the World Food Program team is working to assist the most vulnerable individuals, enhance access and empowerment for women, and improve lives. It is worth mentioning that this UN official expressed concern about the state of malnutrition and health challenges faced by the people of Afghanistan while citizens continue to live in poverty and food insecurity.

The United Nations has recently announced that hunger in Afghanistan has increased, with over 13.8 million people facing acute food insecurity in the country. In a statement, the organization noted that women and children are the most affected by food insecurity. Additionally, the World Food Programme has warned that more than 13.8 million people in Afghanistan are experiencing acute food insecurity, with women and children suffering the most. John Aylieff, the World Food Programme Director in Afghanistan, emphasized that nearly five million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are malnourished in the country. The statement also mentioned that Afghanistan is facing economic collapse, loss of job opportunities, and climate shocks. The organization indicated that these simultaneous pressures have reduced the special food reserves used to assist malnourished women and children. Furthermore, UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund in Afghanistan, has reported that malnutrition rates are higher in the provinces of Zabul, Kunar, Samangan, and Badghis compared to other parts of the country. The organization emphasized that the first thousand days are the most critical period for nutrition. UNICEF stated that 66,000 families have received cash assistance to meet their nutritional needs.

On the occasion of International Nurses Day, the European Union Delegation in Afghanistan has recently announced its continued support for the education and professional development of women and girls. Today (Tuesday, May 22), the delegation posted a message on its X account stating that women and girls constitute a significant part of the health and medical workforce. The message continued: "On International Nurses Day, we honor the unsung heroes of Afghanistan's healthcare system." It is worth noting that May 12 is celebrated annually as International Nurses Day, recognizing their contributions. However, UNICEF has warned that Afghanistan will lose approximately 20,000 teachers and nearly 5,000 female health workers by the year 2030. While the EU emphasizes support for women and girls, the interim government has deprived them of education and learning opportunities since taking control of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, even as the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel. This government's actions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being deprived of education. Additionally, women have been banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs, as well as in UN offices in Afghanistan.