Taliban requests removal of restrictions on female humanitarian workers

In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on September 1, 2022, killing 2,200 people and injuring over 3,600, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern about the increasing paucity of female medical staff in the affected areas.

The WHO has asked Taliban authorities to lift restrictions on Afghan female aid workers, citing the urgent need for their services. Richard Bennett, a notable figure, has been the one to urge the WHO to advocate with the Taliban authorities for this cause.

The Taliban administration has stated that it respects women's rights in line with its interpretation of Islamic law. However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. In many affected villages, women are left with only one male doctor to cater to their needs, a situation that has led to reports of trauma and high blood pressure among these women.

The lack of female doctors is hampering care as women are uncomfortable or afraid to interact with male staff and travel alone to receive care. This issue is further compounded by the Taliban's barring of female students from high school and university, which is causing a shortage of Afghan female doctors.

Approximately 90% of medical staff in the affected areas are male, and the remaining 10% are often midwives and nurses. Exemptions, particularly in the health and education sectors, have been made, but many argue these are not sufficient to allow a surge of female staff, particularly in an emergency that requires travel.

The UN estimates around 11,600 pregnant women were impacted by the quakes in a country with high maternal mortality rates. The lack of female medical staff could exacerbate these issues, making it difficult for these women to access the care they need.

Another concern raised by the WHO is the lack of mental health care for women in the affected areas. Sharma, a representative from the WHO, has expressed his concern about women's access to mental health care following the earthquake.

The earthquake and its aftershocks have left thousands homeless in a country already dealing with severe aid cuts and humanitarian crises. Funding cuts, including by the US administration this year, have already led to the closure of around 80 health facilities in the affected areas. The closure of an additional 16 health posts due to damage from the earthquake further compounds these issues.

The WHO is advocating for more female health workers to be allowed in the affected areas to help address these pressing needs. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial that all parties involved prioritise the wellbeing and safety of the affected population, particularly women and children.