In a fresh blow to women's rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban has reportedly banned women from pursuing medical training, including courses for midwifery and nursing. Health ministry officials informed education institute directors of the decision during a meeting in Kabul,

This week the Taliban in Afghanistan closed one of the last remaining loopholes in their ban on education for older girls and women by forbidding them from attending institutions offering medical education.

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan are reported to have banned medical schools from admitting female students, removing the last remaining opportunity for women to pursue higher education. The decree issued by the reclusive Taliban leader,