United Nations, New York, 5 September 2025 – Some 11,600 pregnant women are estimated to have been impacted by the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August, which was followed by several aftershocks. Within hours of the strike, UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, deployed emergency response and mobile health teams to affected areas to assess needs and provide lifesaving health and protection services to women and girls.
“UNFPA is on the ground, delivering lifesaving support and is calling for a comprehensive humanitarian response that meets the needs of women, girls and other vulnerable communities. Our priority is to stand with women and girls and support their swift recovery,” said UNFPA Executive Director, Diene Keita.
Despite facing numerous challenges reaching people in remote areas, including damaged – often impassable– roads, UNFPA has deployed four mobile health teams with emergency health supplies and ambulance services to provide maternal and reproductive healthcare to women in the affected provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman and Nuristan.
UNFPA has also dispatched reproductive health supplies to support thousands of safe births in health centres and hospitals, and has distributed essential hygiene items, including menstrual health supplies, soap and disinfectant, to women and girls in need.
Pregnancy already comes at a high risk in Afghanistan - the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the Asia Pacific region.
"The health and safety of women and girls is our top priority in this emergency," said UNFPA Representative in Afghanistan, Kwabena Asante-Ntiamoah. "For pregnant women, a natural disaster can turn an already challenging time into a life-threatening crisis. We are on the ground, delivering essential care to ensure safe deliveries and prevent further loss of life."
UNFPA also provides ongoing support to 20 health clinics, family health centres and psychosocial support centres in the affected areas, all of which continue to operate.
Resources:
Media contacts:
- Kabul: Arlene Alano UNFPA | Alano@unfpa.org |
- New York: Anna Jefferys | UNFPA | Jefferys@unfpa.org | +1 917 769 7454 | media@unfpa.org
About UNFPA:
UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, working to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people across more than 150 countries and territories. It reaches millions of women, girls and young people with essential health services, protection from violence, and with vital information about their bodies and rights. It also helps governments plan for changing population needs so people can thrive today and in the future, regardless of fertility trends.
