By Elizabeth A Appleyard | Program Administrator
Health education is a vital part of AIL’s health program. Education changes behaviour which prevents illness, injury and facilitates safe birthing, proper nutrition and consequently improves lives.
A story about benefits of breast feeding.
I work in the nutrition counseling room at the clinic and a young mother arrived with her eight-month-old baby. She requested that I measure her child's height and weight for the doctor, as her baby was suffering from diarrhea.
This lady was a first-time visitor to the clinic and had no prior information about the counseling section. It was apparent that the baby was not in good condition concerning growth and development, prompting me to engage with the mother. She mentioned that her baby was unwell and that she had consulted a respected figure in the village who advised her to discontinue breastfeeding, suggesting that her milk was not suitable for the child. Consequently, she ceased breastfeeding and switched to powdered milk.
I provided ample information to the mother regarding the advantages of breastfeeding, and she expressed great satisfaction. She stated her intention to exclusively breastfeed her child from now on and discontinue the use of powdered milk. I also gave her information on the right foods to feed her child and at what ages.
Another story on the lack of awareness regarding the benefits of vaccination.
“Hepatitis B is a viral disease that affects the liver, and affects individuals of all ages. It's crucial for healthcare professionals to consistently educate women about this illness. A woman admitted to the clinic had no prior knowledge of this disease. She said that, a child was born in our household, and I hadn't vaccinated him due to my lack of awareness regarding the benefits of vaccination. Your insights into this disease are greatly appreciated. Henceforth, I've decided to vaccinate my child to prevent this ailment. I'm thrilled that my guidance yielded positive results. The following day, the woman brought her child for the next vaccination and expressed profound gratitude for the clinic's presence and the services rendered to patients.”
Health education is the key to breaking the cycle of ill health that plagues many families. Thank you for your support for improved health care and health education in Afghanistan.
By Elizabeth A Appleyard | Program Administrator
By Elizabeth A Appleyard | Program Administrator
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