UN Warns Of Afghan Maternal-Mortality 'Emergency'

Cecilia Lotse, UNICEF's director for South Asia, said that about 1,600 out of every 100,000 Afghan mothers die while giving birth or because of related complications. She said that about 20 percent of Afghan children die before their fifth birthday.

About 20 percent die before age 5 from diseases including diarrheal ailments, pneumonia, malaria, and typhoid. She said many deaths could be prevented through simple immunizations, better access to clean water, and improved knowledge about sanitary practices.

She said that Afghan school enrollment for girls is among the lowest in the world.

(AP)

See also:

Interview With UN Special Rapporteur On Violence Against Women In Afghanistan

Amnesty International Says Afghan Women Still Facing Abuse