The UN warns that U.S. aid cuts could lead to approximately 1,200 additional maternal deaths in Afghanistan by 2028 due to lack of support for reproductive health services. This is a result of an executive order enacted by the Trump administration that halts foreign aid. UNFPA emphasized the detrimental effects of this funding loss on women’s healthcare, particularly in regions like South Asia.

The United Nations agency has issued a grave warning following the recent cuts in U.S. aid, projecting that approximately 1,200 additional maternal deaths could occur in Afghanistan by 2028, attributed to interrupted support for pregnancy and birth-related healthcare. This consequence stems from an executive order signed by President Trump, which instituted a 90-day pause on foreign development aid shortly after his inauguration. Although waivers for essential humanitarian assistance have been provided, the impact of these funding cuts is already evident among vulnerable populations.

Pio Smith, regional director for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Asia and the Pacific, stressed the severity of the funding loss that jeopardizes services crucial for women and girls in crisis settings, particularly in South Asia. He elaborated that Afghanistan is facing alarming conditions, with a mother dying from preventable pregnancy complications every two hours, underscoring the nation’s dire healthcare situation.

Looking ahead to the period between 2025 and 2028, Smith anticipates that the lack of U.S. support will lead to an estimated 1,200 additional maternal deaths and around 109,000 unintended pregnancies in Afghanistan. He acknowledged the agency’s efforts to remain prepared for potential defunding, even anticipating challenges as seen in previous Republican administrations. However, the recent halt on already committed funds came as a surprise, severely affecting programs focused on maternal health and psychosocial support in the region.

In total, UNFPA has indicated that it requires over $308 million this year to maintain essential health services across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Without these critical resources, the situation for women in these regions is likely to worsen, exacerbating their vulnerabilities and health risks.

Overall, the substantial reduction in U.S. aid directly threatens the health and well-being of women and girls in South Asia, particularly in Afghanistan, calling for urgent attention and action to mitigate this crisis.

Recent U.S. aid cuts have drastically affected the capacity of UN agencies, particularly in South Asia, where critical health services for women are in jeopardy. The UN Population Fund highlights that Afghanistan, dealing with a high maternal death rate, faces severe consequences due to the funding halt. The U.S. executive order and subsequent aid cessation signal a troubling trend for humanitarian support in these vulnerable regions, necessitating significant funding for ongoing healthcare initiatives.

The termination of U.S. aid poses a significant risk to maternal health care in Afghanistan and surrounding countries, potentially leading to thousands of additional maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies. UNFPA’s warning underscores the urgency of restoring vital funding to safeguard women’s health in crisis situations. Immediate action is required to address these critical healthcare challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of women in South Asia.

Original Source: tribune.com.pk

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