Global News Podcast Hundreds of medical clinics shut in Afghanistan after US aid cut
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Sep 15, 2025 Hilken Boran, a journalist from the BBC's Turkish service in Istanbul, discusses the dire consequences of US aid cuts in Afghanistan. The closure of over 400 medical clinics has drastically increased maternal mortality rates, highlighted by tragic personal stories like that of Abdul Vakil, who lost his family due to this crisis. The conversation also touches on political unrest in Turkey, featuring major protests against President Erdogan, and intriguing highlights from the recent Emmys, including impactful social commentary from the ceremony.
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Fatal Journey To A Closed Clinic
- Abdul Vakil told reporters his wife died after they found a closed clinic and she bled after an unassisted birth.
- The village's closed facility had served nine communities and handled dozens of deliveries monthly before it shut.
Aid Cuts Compound Women's Health Crisis
- More than 400 medical facilities across Afghanistan closed after US aid was cut, removing essential maternal services.
- The closures disproportionately harm women already restricted by Taliban policies on female healthcare workers.
Taliban Policies Shrink Female Healthcare Workforce
- Taliban bans on higher education for women and midwife training mean fewer female health workers are available.
- This policy removes crucial access points for women who cannot be treated by male clinicians under current restrictions.