Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan with UNAMA, has stated that with the closure of educational institutions for women, the lives of over 40,000 midwives and nurses will face negative consequences.

Ratwatte emphasized that the maternal and child mortality rates in Afghanistan are extremely high and that the Islamic Emirate should pay attention to this issue. According to the Deputy Special Representative of UNAMA, 36,000 midwives and 3,000 nurses were receiving training in medical institutes.

Ratwatte added: “For example, 36,000 midwives were in training, 3,000 nurses were in training. If this is stopped in private and public medical institutes, these people will not graduate and that means these people will not be able to go to communities in Afghanistan to help women and girls and will have a direct impact on their health and well-being.”

This UN representative in Afghanistan stressed the commitment to supporting the people of Afghanistan. Ratwatte further stated: “Of course, we will continue to discuss and request the government seriously consider this ... and we will always have open principled engagement with the government, keeping the people of Afghanistan front and center in everything we do.”

“When there is no female gynecologist, how can a pregnant woman or someone with other women's health issues explain her problems to a male doctor?” Barakatullah Rasooli, a doctor, told TOLOnews.

Meanwhile, some women’s rights activists are urging the Islamic Emirate to reopen educational institutions, particularly medical institutes, for girls.

“Medical higher and intermediate education institutes were the only ray of hope for Afghan women and girls, giving them at least the chance to provide healthcare services for others,” said Lamya Sherzai, a women’s rights activist.

This comes as recent statistics on the shortage of midwives in the country indicate that Afghanistan currently needs more than 18,000 midwives.