Women and Children Bear the Brunt of Recent Earthquakes in Afghanistan
High Number of Women and Children Hospitalized with Severe Injuries
According to the head of the World Health Organization’s emergency response in Afghanistan, two-thirds of the victims of the recent earthquakes in the country were women and children who suffered severe injuries. The Taliban administration reported that the quakes, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in at least 2,400 deaths and over 2,000 injuries. These earthquakes rank among the deadliest in the world this year, following devastating tremors in Turkey and Syria that claimed an estimated 50,000 lives. Dr. Alaa AbouZeid, representing the WHO, explained that the majority of those injured or killed were women and children who were inside their houses at the time of the earthquakes. He witnessed firsthand that two-thirds of the patients admitted to the hospital with severe injuries were children and women.
Concerns over Funding and Global Attention
Dr. AbouZeid also highlighted the critical need for financing humanitarian operations in Afghanistan. He expressed concern that global attention and funding were shifting away from the country due to emerging crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as concerns over Taliban restrictions on women. The dwindling support could have detrimental effects on Afghanistan’s recovery efforts. Despite the challenges, the WHO’s response teams are working tirelessly to save lives and provide assistance to those in need.
Devastating Impact on Children
Dr. AbouZeid expressed his devastation at witnessing the number of children in critical condition at the hospital. He recounted a heartbreaking case of a 3-4-month-old infant with head trauma caused by the earthquake. Head trauma can result in long-lasting disabilities, and the WHO is taking these injuries seriously. The impact extends beyond the victims themselves, as their families will need to provide ongoing support. Dr. AbouZeid emphasized the importance of equipping hospitals to handle future casualties and similar situations more effectively.
Afghanistan’s Healthcare System Struggles
Afghanistan’s healthcare system, heavily reliant on foreign aid, has faced significant challenges since the Taliban takeover. Crippling cuts and the halt of international assistance have had a severe impact on the country’s healthcare infrastructure. While the United Nations’ humanitarian office has pledged $5 million in assistance for the earthquake response, immediate material support has been limited. Dr. AbouZeid expressed disappointment that the media’s attention had shifted away from Afghanistan, diverting towards events in the Middle East. The country still requires aid and support to address the ongoing crisis.
Through collaboration and sustained funding, Afghanistan can recover from the devastating earthquakes and rebuild its healthcare system to better respond to future emergencies.
