The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the presence of female healthcare workers in medical facilities helps women access healthcare services more easily.
The organisation reported on Tuesday, October 20, that access to female healthcare workers is particularly important for patients who may hesitate to visit medical facilities because they feel uncomfortable or concerned.
The presence of female healthcare workers can help create a safe environment and foster trust between patients and healthcare providers.
The WHO added that in such an environment, women have more opportunities to express their concerns and can receive medical care with greater confidence.
Edwin Seniza Salvador, the WHO representative in Afghanistan, has emphasised the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to specialised medical services, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances.
This comes as Afghanistan’s healthcare sector has faced serious challenges over the past five years following restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
Funding shortages, declining humanitarian assistance, limited resources, and a reduction in the number of female healthcare workers have made the delivery of medical services more difficult in many parts of Afghanistan.
