Kwabena Asante-Ntiamoah, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Afghanistan, has stated that 34,000 midwives have graduated in Afghanistan over the past years.
The United Nations Population Fund reported on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, that Asante-Ntiamoah made these remarks on the occasion of the International Day of the Midwife, noting that only 18 percent of midwives are formally employed.
The UNFPA representative added that these health workers play a key role in reducing maternal mortality and saving lives in Afghanistan.
He said that in many areas of Afghanistan, midwives are the only skilled providers of health services, and their presence is vital for women’s access to essential services.
The UNFPA stated that midwives provide up to 90 percent of essential health services for women and girls, and supporting them is crucial for improving the country’s healthcare system.
