Date of Graduation

Winter 12-16-2022

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Abstract

This literature review examines the risk factors associated with pregnancy that contribute to high maternal mortality rates in Afghanistan and women’s limited access to adequate health services and education. Some of the factors contributing to high maternal mortality rates are political instability/civil conflict, current policies and legislation, workforce shortages in the healthcare field, as well as socioeconomic levels. The underlying theme which influences each of these factors are Afghanistan’s culture and religion. To reduce the rising maternal mortality rates for Afghan women and girls, there must be a shift in mindset from within the culture. A three-layered tiered intervention which first targets rural Afghan communities through a community-based intervention highlighting passages from the Quran that speak to the importance of women and girls in their society. Following this would be the facilitation of diplomatic immersion trips to other Islamic countries for Taliban and community leaders to expose Afghan leaders to how women’s rights can be aligned with Islamic law. The United States and the international community can also enlist sanctions against Afghanistan unless they were to meet specified benchmarks before receiving economic aid. This three-tiered intervention will help set the groundwork and build the foundation for reconstructing Afghanistan’s healthcare workforce, increasing access to reproductive healthcare services, increasing education rates amongst girls and women, reducing the rate of unwanted pregnancy, while subsequently lowering the maternal mortality rates.

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