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Taliban's Burka Mandate Causes 28% Drop in Women's Hospital Admissions

11/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Taliban have mandated that women wear burkas to access hospitals in Herat, effective November 5, causing a 28% drop in urgent admissions.
Sarah Chateau, MSF program manager, says women needing medical care are denied entry without a burka.
A Taliban spokesperson denied the claims, while activists report enforcement of the dress code at hospitals, schools, and government offices.
The United Nations has condemned the restrictions, calling them gender apartheid.

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Story summary

The Taliban have mandated that women wear burkas to access hospitals in Herat, effective November 5, causing a 28% drop in urgent admissions.
Sarah Chateau, MSF program manager, says women needing medical care are denied entry without a burka.
A Taliban spokesperson denied the claims, while activists report enforcement of the dress code at hospitals, schools, and government offices.
The United Nations has condemned the restrictions, calling them gender apartheid.