¨ At 1600 deaths per 100,000 live births, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Afghanistan is equal only to
the most poor, conflict-affected countries in the world.
¨ The highest mortality ratio in Afghanistan was measured in Ragh district of Badakhshan province, in the
northeast, where an estimated 65 women die from pregnancy-related causes per 1,000 live births. A similar
ratio can be expected in other remote and under-served provinces such as Ghor and Daikundi.
¨ Qualified female health workers are missing in over one third of all health facilities countrywide, thereby
constraining women's access to health care. The lack of available health care in addition to factors that
constrain women and their families' ability to access care results in almost 9 out of 10 deliveries taking place
at home, and almost 8 out of 10 deliveries being attended by unskilled personnel.
AFGHANISTAN'S REVISED MDG TARGET AND INDICATORS
==> Reduce by 50% between 2002 and 2015 the maternal mortality ratio, and further reduce the MMR to 25%
of the 2002 level by 2020
¨ Maternal mortality ratio
¨ Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel
¨ Fertility rate
¨ Proportion of women receiving professional ante-natal care
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