The health crisis in Afghanistan is deepening due to cuts in foreign aid and violations of women's rights by the Taliban government, as outlined in a recent Human Rights Watch report. The Taliban's restrictions are obstructing women's access to healthcare, compounded by education bans leading to a scarcity of female health workers, exacerbating a crisis long forewarned by Afghan medical professionals.

Dr. Sharifa Wardak, with over two decades of experience training midwives in Maidan Wardak, highlighted that while 70% of clinics in the province remain operational, nearly all rely on funding from foreign aid organizations.

The suspension of activities by entities like the Swedish Committee of Afghanistan, prompted by Taliban directives following external incidents, has crippled essential healthcare services. For instance, in Maidan Wardak, vital support such as iron folic acid and high-energy biscuits for pregnant women and malnourished children has ceased, leaving vulnerable populations without crucial resources.

The impact is not confined to remote areas; even major hospitals, including the 100-bed Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan Hospital in Kabul, face dire consequences. Dr. Najibullah Nusra explained the reliance on International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) support, which has dwindled significantly, leaving hospitals grappling with financial strain and medication shortages.

The abrupt halt in ICRC funding for pharmaceutical purchases has forced patients to procure medicines privately, adding a significant financial burden amid widespread job losses and economic instability. The consequences are dire for Afghan families who depend on government-run hospitals and clinics for medical care.

Dr. Sharaf emphasized the ripple effects of economic shocks, where purchasing medications from non-hospital pharmacies exposes patients to expired or substandard drugs. The compounding challenges of economic strain and dwindling healthcare resources paint a grim picture for the nation's wellbeing.

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