The challenge of medical access in rural Afghanistan: 'Before the clinic was set up, we used to give birth at home, and three or four women died every month' (www.lemonde.fr)
from HellsBelle@sh.itjust.works to world@lemmy.world on 25 Jan 18:42
https://sh.itjust.works/post/54090884

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It took a drive along rocky roads and a trek through the shallow bed of a meager river in the remote, mountainous region of Paktia, in southeastern Afghanistan, to reach the small health center of Shanak, run by the French NGO Première Urgence Internationale. An old, rusted sign marks the entrance to the isolated spot. In the heart of these deserted surroundings, the facility stands out – a place where women, some of whom have walked for hours to receive care, arrive on foot.

Located in this historically conservative and predominantly Taliban area, the Shanak center is funded by international aid. The female healthcare workers who practice there (including a nutrition nurse and a midwife) said they worked without any particular pressure from the authorities.

In the clinics, female patients can come without their mahram, or male chaperone, as long as they remain within a 72-kilometer radius from their homes. In some of these clinics, the doctors were men – a real source of frustration for patients, who said they felt more comfortable speaking to a woman about certain issues. Under the Taliban regime, girls have been barred from attending school from the age of 12. While some private courses to become a nurse or midwife still exist, the ban on access to university for medical studies has prevented the training of new female doctors.

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