Afghanistan faces worsening maternity care access after Taliban return to power in 2021

Situation Overview

Afghanistan has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, with experts cited by France 24 saying a woman dies every two hours from complications during childbirth. France 24 reports that access to healthcare for Afghan women has become increasingly difficult since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, contributing to a worsening struggle to obtain maternity care. The report does not provide quantified economic or market effects, but it frames the issue as an acute public health and access problem for women seeking childbirth care.

Geopolitical Implications

1. 01

   Constraints on women’s access to essential health services are linked to the post-2021 governance environment, increasing humanitarian and political pressure.

2. 02

   High maternal mortality and reduced care access can intensify international scrutiny of humanitarian access and health-system capacity.

Key Signals

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  Any announced Taliban measures affecting women’s access to healthcare and maternity services

Topics & Keywords

Market Impact Analysis

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