The future of female patients and health workers in Afghanistan is threatened by a recent decree issued by the Ministry of Economy prohibiting women from working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While health workers, including staff from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), are currently considered exempt from the ban, there is no formal assurance that they will be able to continue to work unhindered. Many people in Afghanistan depend on humanitarian aid and support from NGOs for medical services and other basic needs. The participation of women NGO workers in the provision of health care services is absolutely essential. Women make up more than 51 percent of MSF’s medical staff in Afghanistan, including nearly 900 doctors, nurses, and other professionals.
MSF has condemned the ban issued by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (also known as the Taliban). Many of the women working with us on staff have also voiced their frustration and fears for the future.
“In the hospital, we have lots of patients who are women. When they fall sick or need to deliver a child, they must have a place to go. If the Taliban prevents female staff from working, no one will be able to take care of them,” said Farzaneh,* an Afghan woman working with MSF.
“A woman’s health affects the health of her whole family. If there is no access to pre-natal and post-natal services, children’s lives will be put at risk as well. This ban will not affect just women, it will affect the country.”