bbc.com
Afghanistan's Midwife Shortage Fuels Maternal Mortality Crisis
In Chakhansur district, Afghanistan, آرزو, the sole midwife, handles 16,000 patients with one delivery bed, highlighting a national healthcare crisis caused by US aid cuts, Taliban policies, and a severe midwife shortage resulting in high maternal mortality.
- What long-term systemic changes are necessary to address the alarming maternal mortality rate and improve healthcare access for women throughout Afghanistan?
- Afghanistan's maternal mortality rate, estimated at 620 deaths per 100,000 births in 2024 by the UN, highlights the catastrophic consequences of this healthcare crisis. The lack of access to trained medical professionals, compounded by geographic challenges and economic hardship, forces many women to deliver at home without qualified assistance, resulting in preventable deaths. This crisis underscores the urgent need for international intervention and the reinstatement of healthcare services.
- How has the cessation of US aid and the policies of the Taliban government impacted the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for women in Afghanistan?
- The dire situation in Chakhansur reflects a broader crisis in Afghanistan's healthcare system. The suspension of US aid has led to the closure of roughly 400 healthcare facilities in southern Afghanistan, according to the UN. This shortage is particularly acute for women, as only one-fourth of Afghanistan's districts have hospitals, and the country has a massive shortfall of midwives, with estimates as low as 5,000 compared to a recommended 40,000.
- What are the immediate consequences of the severe shortage of midwives in Afghanistan, specifically focusing on the experiences of women in areas like Chakhansur district?
- In southwestern Afghanistan's Chakhansur district, آرزو is the sole midwife for 16,000 people, facing extreme shortages and long waits at the only clinic. She describes overwhelming patient numbers and insufficient staff, often having to deliver babies in the hallway due to only one delivery bed. The lack of support is exacerbated by the Taliban's requirement for female workers to have a male escort, further complicating her already demanding workload.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed around the personal experiences of midwives and pregnant women, emphasizing the hardships and challenges they face. This human-centered approach is effective in drawing emotional engagement, but it might inadvertently downplay the systemic issues that contribute to the problem, such as lack of infrastructure, funding, and equitable healthcare policies. The headline (if there was one, as it is not provided here) and introduction would have played a major role in framing the overall narrative.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, although the descriptions of the hardships faced by the women are emotionally charged, which is appropriate given the subject matter. The use of phrases like "dire situation" and "heartbreaking stories" contribute to the emotional impact but do not present significant bias. Overall the language aims to convey a factual account, although emotionally charged to emphasize the severity of the problem.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the challenges faced by midwives and pregnant women in Afghanistan, but omits discussion of potential solutions or governmental initiatives being implemented (or lack thereof) to address the healthcare crisis. The lack of detailed information on the Taliban government's response or international aid efforts beyond the mentioned cut in US funding limits a comprehensive understanding of the situation. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, including a brief overview of potential solutions or ongoing efforts would enhance the article's completeness.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy explicitly, but the stark contrast between the dire situation and the lack of readily available solutions could implicitly create a sense of hopelessness, neglecting the potential for improvements or alternative approaches. Focusing solely on the negative aspects without exploring potential avenues for change might inadvertently lead readers to a pessimistic conclusion.
Gender Bias
The article rightly highlights the disproportionate impact of the healthcare crisis on women, and the challenges faced by female healthcare workers. The focus on women's experiences doesn't present a gender bias, but rather reflects the reality of gendered health disparities. The article could be improved by explicitly mentioning efforts being made (if any) to empower women in healthcare or address gender inequality within the healthcare system.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a severe shortage of midwives in Afghanistan, particularly in rural areas. This leads to unsafe birthing practices, delays in accessing healthcare, and increased maternal and neonatal mortality rates. The lack of access to healthcare, coupled with the challenging geographical conditions and economic hardships, directly impacts the well-being of mothers and newborns, hindering progress towards SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) targets related to maternal and child health.