UNFPA: Rising Number of Women Needing Maternity Services Amid Mass Return of Afghan Migrants

Photo: Mary Kate MacIsaac/World Vision

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports that the increasing return of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries has led to a growing number of women in need of maternity and health care services at migrant reception centers.

According to the agency, in the first three months of 2025, at least 66 women gave birth at the emergency maternity clinic in the migrant reception center in Kandahar province.

UNFPA emphasized that "every successful birth is a victory over hardship, poverty, displacement, and fear. We are not only delivering babies, we are helping women find hope, dignity, and a sense of security amid crisis."

Tamana Tokhi, a midwife at the organization’s emergency clinic in Takht-e-Pol district of Kandahar, said that since the beginning of April, the number of women seeking care has significantly increased. She added, "Our working days have become long, but I am fully committed. Every woman who comes to this clinic deserves care and dignity, even if I am tired."

According to the provided statistics, over the past three months alone, around 2,331 people have received various health services at this center, including childbirth, pre- and post-natal care, and family planning counseling.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has announced that it has delivered 4.5 metric tons of medical supplies to Afghanistan to help address the urgent needs of returnees. These supplies are specifically designated to support health centers in border areas.