5 May 2026, Kabul, Afghanistan – The World Health Organization (WHO), with the generous support of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is expanding essential health services for women and children across Afghanistan, helping more mothers give birth safely and ensuring care for those facing childbirth complications.A mother hugs her newborn at the IsDB-supported health facility in Banjab, Bamyan Province, a moment made possible through accessible maternal care. Photo credit: WHO Afghanistan While access to care has improved in recent years – antenatal care coverage has increased from 31% to 76% and skilled birth attendance from 24% to 67% since 2007/2008 – many women still face life-threatening risks during pregnancy and childbirth. While child mortality has declined from 129 deaths per 1000 live births in 2000 to 56 in 2023, maternal mortality remains high at 521 deaths per 100 000 live births. In Afghanistan, 521 mother die in each 100000 life birth from preventable complications such...