Imagine trying to care for a child or manage your own health while facing constant hurdles like high costs, long travel distances, and social stigma. For many Afghan refugee women in Pakistan, these are not just inconveniences; they are life-threatening barriers to basic medical care.
A review of 21 studies highlights the harsh reality of this situation. The data shows that 67% of maternal deaths in this group were considered preventable. Even more concerning, 81% of those who died from maternal causes faced significant obstacles when trying to get help. These women often struggle with a lack of information about birth control and other essential services.
The findings also point to a massive education gap. The illiteracy rate among these women is 93.3%. This makes it much harder for them to understand pregnancy risks or navigate complex healthcare systems. While the research shows clear systemic gaps, there is still very little information available on how long-term programs can help these women build resilience against such heavy obstacles.
