Taliban Bans Afghan Women from Medical Training Amid Health Crisis
Closure of Midwifery and Nursing Programs Raises Concerns Amidst Dire Healthcare Needs
The Taliban government has now banned Afghan women from receiving midwifery and nursing training, according to a report by the BBC.
These were the last educational opportunities available for women since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
This development raises significant concerns as the United Nations reported in 2023 that Afghanistan requires an additional 18,000 midwives to adequately meet healthcare needs.
Despite multiple confirmations from educational institutions that the Taliban ordered their closure, the health ministry remains silent on the issue.
Teenage girls have been deprived of education since 2021, despite the Taliban's assurance of reopening schools once changes to the curriculum were made.
Previously, studying midwifery or nursing was a vital career path, especially since male doctors are prohibited from treating women without a male guardian present.
The current ban affects an estimated 17,000 women in training, who now face an uncertain future.
Videos shared with the BBC show heartbroken students, with one saying, 'Standing here and crying won't help,' amidst fears of Taliban enforcement.
One student expressed her thwarted ambitions, revealing that after schools and colleges closed, midwifery was her remaining option.
The World Health Organization highlights Afghanistan's severe health issues, reporting a maternal mortality rate of 620 deaths per 100,000 live births, one of the highest globally.
These were the last educational opportunities available for women since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
This development raises significant concerns as the United Nations reported in 2023 that Afghanistan requires an additional 18,000 midwives to adequately meet healthcare needs.
Despite multiple confirmations from educational institutions that the Taliban ordered their closure, the health ministry remains silent on the issue.
Teenage girls have been deprived of education since 2021, despite the Taliban's assurance of reopening schools once changes to the curriculum were made.
Previously, studying midwifery or nursing was a vital career path, especially since male doctors are prohibited from treating women without a male guardian present.
The current ban affects an estimated 17,000 women in training, who now face an uncertain future.
Videos shared with the BBC show heartbroken students, with one saying, 'Standing here and crying won't help,' amidst fears of Taliban enforcement.
One student expressed her thwarted ambitions, revealing that after schools and colleges closed, midwifery was her remaining option.
The World Health Organization highlights Afghanistan's severe health issues, reporting a maternal mortality rate of 620 deaths per 100,000 live births, one of the highest globally.
