Afghan women and children’s health: Three main challenges under Taliban and COVID-19

Abstract

In August 2021 the Taliban took over Afghanistan, as the country was battling the third wave of COVID-19, with 155 132 confirmed cases and 7128 deaths (September 25, 2021) [1]. Despite significant progress in the health care system over the last 17 years under the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, largely attributable to the cooperation with international organizations, Afghanistan still has one of the weakest health systems in the world. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty and inequality, and the Taliban have added massive pressure to already overwhelmed social and health systems, resulting in a humanitarian and health crisis [2].