Key Facts
• A 7-day period has passed since the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.
• Death toll: 2,205; Injured: 3,640; Numbers may rise further.
• Taliban restrictions on women’s employment and education have led to a shortage of female doctors.
• A severely injured woman died after requesting treatment from a female doctor, which was unavailable.
• Less than 10% of patients treated in nearby hospitals post-earthquake were women.
• A local media outlet reported a woman with a fractured sternum died due to lack of female medical staff.
Summary
The recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has exposed a dire shortage of female doctors, a consequence of Taliban-imposed restrictions on women’s employment and education. This shortage has had fatal consequences, as seen in the death of a severely injured woman who requested treatment from a female doctor but could not receive it. Women accounted for less than 10% of those treated in nearby hospitals, highlighting the gender disparity in access to medical care. The disaster has claimed 2,205 lives and injured 3,640 people, with the toll expected to rise. The situation underscores the urgent need for addressing gender-based barriers in healthcare access in Afghanistan.
