Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kabul (Fides Service) - 50 women die in childbirth every day in Afghanistan, one in three has suffered psychological or sexual violence, and the average age of survival is 44. According to the report State of the World's Mothers 2011, recently published by the organization Save the Children, the country has the highest maternal mortality rate and the lowest female life expectancy in the world. Over 85% of Afghan women are illiterate and 70% of school age girls do not attend classes for several reasons: from lack of security for fear of their life, to conservative parents. The result is that "Afghanistan is the worst country in which to be a mother". Even children in the country, along with sub-Saharan Africa have the highest risk of death worldwide. One in five, according to the report, dies before the age of 5. The local Ministry of Health is strongly focused on measures to be taken to reduce the maternal mortality rate, including the training of these birth assistants. About 750 professional midwives graduate each year after 24 months of training and is estimated to reach 800 in 2012. The problem, however, exists, because 85% of the population live 3-4 hours away from health care centers, and 35% even further away, or do not have access to any type of service. There is also a very widespread lack of awareness on maternal care in the country, particularly in rural communities, lack of medical facilities in remote areas of the country, where means of transport and roads are very precarious. About 76% of women deliver at home without any help, or die before reaching health care centers. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/07/2011)
