SOCIETY — June 19, 2026
OCHA Expresses Concern Over Continued Maternal Mortality in Afghanistan
Olga Chiriuko urged sustained international support to protect mothers and newborns in remote areas while warning that restrictions on women and girls threaten access to life-saving health services.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Ariana News — 2 min read
OCHA has expressed concern over the continued high maternal mortality in Afghanistan. The organization warned that restrictions threaten access to health services for women and girls.
Olga Chiriuko, OCHA Afghanistan communications head, shared her views on the matter. She said that Afghanistan has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates.
Chiriuko called for sustained international support for the health sector. This is to protect maternal and newborn health, especially in remote areas.
The Ministry of Public Health has stated that the maternal mortality rate has decreased compared to previous years. International organization figures on maternal mortality are estimates, not based on real statistics.
The statement by the OCHA official brings attention to the need for ongoing assistance in Afghanistan's health system. Protecting the health of mothers and newborns remains a key priority amid the current restrictions. The concerns come as access to services is impacted by the restrictions placed on women and girls. Sustained efforts from the international community are being sought to mitigate the risks associated with high maternal mortality rates.
Read the original reporting at Ariana News →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct, on-record attribution to named OCHA official Olga Chiriuko making statements on X; the verifiable fact is that the statement was made. Internal contrast with ministry position noted but does not undermine attribution of the OCHA claim.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Ariana News: "restrictions imposed on women and girls could further reduce their access to life-saving health services" and "restrictions on women and girls threatening access to life-saving health services" frame the measures with negative emotional weight and imply direct causation of harm without presenting the issuing authority's perspective.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- OCHA: Afghanistan Still Among Countries with Highest Maternal Mortality Rates - Hasht-e Subh8am.media
The organization warned that restrictions on the participation of women and girls in public life and employment opportunities could weaken humanitarian response capacity and further limit women’s access to essential healthcare services.
- OCHA Warns Restrictions Limiting Afghan Women’s Access to Life-Saving Healthcare - Khaama Presskhaama.com
The United Nations Office for the ... that <strong>restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan are undermining access to essential and life-saving services, particularly healthcare. Olga Cherevko, an OCHA official for Afghanistan, said the country continues to record one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with nearly 600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births</strong>...
In a statement on Wednesday, OCHA said <strong>women and girls continue to face significant barriers in accessing healthcare</strong>, while frontline health workers remain critical to protecting mothers and newborns across the country.
Across the newsrooms
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Ariana News
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Framed
Framed
Filed under
Society — Maternal Mortality, OCHA, Women's Health, Afghanistan Health Sector, UN Humanitarian Aid
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