The Taliban do not allow women to visit healthcare centers in Helmand without male companions

According to local sources in Helmand, the Taliban do not permit women to visit public hospitals and healthcare centers in the provincial capital and all districts without being accompanied by a male.

The sources said that despite the presence of female doctors and nurses in all public hospitals, women are not allowed to visit hospitals for treatment of their own or their children's illnesses.

According to the sources, guards appointed by the Taliban at the gates of hospitals and local healthcare centers prevent women from entering unless accompanied by a male.

Some female patients and mothers of children said that the men in their families go to work during the day, leaving them with no choice but to take their children to healthcare centers in emergencies.

Many of these women are widows who bear the responsibility of raising orphans and face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services.