Health
A third of women in Afghanistan give birth outside a health facility: UNICEF
Just over 67 percent of births are attended by a skilled health professional, UNICEF said.
One-third of pregnant women in Afghanistan give birth outside of a health facility, the United Nations’ children agency said on Monday.
Just over 67 percent of births are attended by a skilled health professional, UNICEF said.
Although expectant mothers should have at least four antenatal visits with a skilled provider before giving birth, only one-third of women in Afghanistan do, the agency said.
“When mothers give birth outside a health facility, or without a healthcare professional to assist them, the mother’s life is at serious risk,” UNICEF said.
“If she has a birth complication, such as haemorrhage or fetal distress, there is little chance for a medical professional to intervene.”
Last month, the World Health Organization reported that Afghanistan faces a staggering daily toll of 24 maternal deaths and 167 infant deaths due to preventable causes.
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