Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study identifies barriers to maternal and child healthcare access in Afghanistan under the Taliban and proposes solutions using the WHO Health System Building Blocks Framework. Methods: Midwives and mothers were recruited via chain-referral sampling. After obtaining IRB and the participants' informed consent, in-depth virtual interviews, guided by Social Cognitive Theory, were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis in MAXQDA 2020. Results: Data analysis revealed four primary consequences of the political unrest in Afghanistan that have exacerbated barriers to accessing maternal and child healthcare: (a) Taliban-imposed restrictions on women's education and mobility, reducing female healthcare providers and limiting mothers' access to care; (b) increased poverty, preventing women from attending perinatal visits due to out-of-pocket costs; (c) the deterioration of healthcare services, including medicine shortages, weakened health financing due to donor withdrawals, lack of insurance, and poor governance; and (d) the increased perpetuation of misinformation and harmful practices, such as the use of clergymen for medical advice instead of doctors. Using the WHO Health Systems Framework, we recommend solutions that address issues in service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, access to essential medicines, financing, and governance. Conclusions: This is the first qualitative study capturing Afghan mothers' and healthcare providers' experiences under Taliban rule. Our findings can inform international efforts to advocate for women's healthcare and education rights and guide global aid programs in strengthening Afghanistan's healthcare system in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5.