By Elizabeth Appleyard | Program Administrator
AIL health staff are highly trained medical professionals. They are also skilled in dealing with conflict, inter-personal matters and family situations. People come to the clinic with beliefs set by their families, traditions or customs, as they often lack the means to educate themselves about medical truths. Here is an example where a doctor showed understanding and patience in dealing with a woman’s lack of knowledge and superstition:
“I participated in the health council of Sar-Asia village. There were many local women there and the community health worker was talking about the types of contraceptive method. One of the women got angry and said contraceptive is considered a sin. The CHS tried to explain to her the benefits but she intended to leave the council. I asked the woman to speak with me for a few minutes. She was too young and looked worn out. She had three children close together. I mentioned the malnutrition problems for children whose parents don’t consider child spacing. The woman admitted her children have malnutrition issues. I talked about the other harm done by frequent pregnancy for children and mothers and the benefits of spacing. She changed her mind and selected a contraceptive method in private and was assured that her husband would not have a problem with it.”
Afghan women want to do the right thing to remain healthy and give their children the best nutrition and opportunity in life. What women need is the education to help make the right choices. This is why AIL’s comprehensive health education program is so vital for breaking the cycle of ill health, improving vaccination rates and reducing child malnutrition. Staff are kind, gentle and patient in dealing with people’s concerns and understand that often families and husbands are part of any decision and also need health education to make good choices. So far in 2022, there have been over 86,000 attendees at health education.
Thank you for your support for improved health care and education in Afghanistan.
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