UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, has recently announced that 90% of maternal deaths in Afghanistan are preventable with simple measures.
Today (Thursday, April 11), the organization reposted a message from Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, on its X account, emphasizing that UNICEF is only able to support 60% of health facilities.
The United Nations Children’s Fund has warned that a reduction in aid could undermine its ability to support pregnant women.
Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Afghanistan, also warned about the consequences of reduced aid, stating: “Women who travel three hours by bicycle to give birth in hospitals, landmines that remain uncleared, infants who die.”
This comes as the United States, as the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, has cut all its programs, including support for mothers and infants.
The cessation of U.S. humanitarian aid has led many international organizations to halt their operations in Afghanistan.
