The UAE’s humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan are making significant strides with the opening of 10 new maternity centers aimed at providing critical care for Afghan women during childbirth. The UAE’s initiative was highlighted by the birth of the first baby named after the Mother of the Nation, a gesture that symbolizes the UAE’s commitment to improving maternal healthcare in Afghanistan, where the maternal mortality rate is alarmingly high. Reports indicate that one woman dies every two hours during childbirth in the country due to inadequate healthcare access, a stark contrast to more developed regions
This expansion of healthcare services comes amidst Afghanistan’s ongoing struggles with maternal mortality, worsened by a lack of trained medical professionals and limited access to antenatal and postnatal care. Many women still give birth at home, sometimes with tragic results, due to financial constraints and the unavailability of skilled medical staff. The UAE’s initiative aims to bridge these gaps, offering essential medical services, free of charge, in a bid to reduce maternal and infant deaths
These new maternity centers represent a beacon of hope for many Afghan women, offering them safer childbirth options and highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system in Afghanistan.
