Maternal mortality: A comparison of Afghanistan and its neighboring countries

Abstract

Objective: Afghanistan is a country with one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world. This report aims to compare the Maternal Mortality Ratios and the causes of maternal death in Afghanistan, with countries of similar socio-cultural statuses, such as Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Methods: For the preparation of this report, data from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Countdown to 2015, UNESCO and the Afghanistan Mortality Survey (AMS) 2010 were used. The selection of countries for the comparisons was based on their geographical proximity to Afghanistan, and the presence of similar socio-cultural criteria. The indicators used for the comparison were population, health indicators, fertility, maternal mortality ratios and causes of maternal death. No ethical consent was obtained as only publicly available data sources were utilised. Results: When compared to the aforementioned countries, Afghanistan was found to have a more youthful population, a more rural population and lower literacy and employment rates among women. In Afghanistan, despite improvements in the accessibility of health services, the indicators were still high. Amongst the countries compared, Afghanistan held the highest figures for both fertility and maternal mortality ratios. The principle causes of maternal deaths in Afghanistan were found to be excessive bleeding and infections. Conclusion: Afghanistan has the lowest socio-economic development level, as well as the lowest mother health indicators, among neighboring countries. Besides increasing the status of women in society, interventions regarding health services for the improvement of maternal health should be urgently developed.Key words: Maternal mortality ratios, Afghanistan, status of women.

Keywords

• Anne ölümü oranı, Afganistan, Kadın statüsü