ASADABAD: Following a shortage of female doctors to treat earthquake victims in Kunar province, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the Taliban to lift restrictions imposed on female healthcare workers. Mokta Sharma, the WHO’s deputy representative in Afghanistan, stated in an interview with Reuters on Monday, that 90% of healthcare workers in Kunar are male doctors. She noted that the remaining 10% of female doctors are not qualified for advanced treatments such as surgical procedures, leaving women without access to necessary health services. Sharma emphasized that many women in Kunar are denied treatment by male doctors, highlighting that the shortage of female healthcare workers is a critical issue in these areas. The Taliban claim to respect women’s rights according to their interpretation of Sharia law and have previously stated their commitment to ensuring women’s access to humanitarian aid. However, WHO officials have reiterated that female doctors cannot travel to remote areas without a male guardian. The United Nations has also reported that 11,600 pregnant women have been affected by the recent earthquake. This situation arises amid a backdrop of previous restrictions imposed by the Taliban, including a ban on women’s studies in health sciences, such as midwifery and nursing, last year.
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