Support Life-Saving efforts for Mothers & Newborns

Since the withdrawal of the US and NATO forces in August 2021 and return to power of the Taliban, Afghanistan has witnessed a reduction of international financial support, a rapid decline in its economy, restrictions on women’s movement and employment and the interruption of essential services, including primary health care. The crisis is currently reversing many of the gains of the last 20 years, especially towards women. This impacted the health services in terms of closure of health clinics, shortage of medicine and medical equipment, and a limited access to qualified healthcare workers. In addition, high food prices and prolonged drought have resulted in an increase in food insecurity and malnutrition and outbreaks of life-threatening diseases (polio, measles, malaria, dengue, cholera and COVID-19) continue, severely weakening an already fragile health system.

On the 4th of March 2023, the Acting Minister of Public Health issued a letter to WHO and partners asking that all Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams cease functioning within one month and establish fixed health sites in the White Areas that are beyond reach of health services. While this does not concern directly the services provided by AfD, this new regulation is concerning to a larger extent and a Task Force has been formed to develop a plan and identify sustainable strategies and alternate options for health service delivery in these underserved areas.

The CHC which is run by AfD in Kabul continues to provide essential health services, despite the ongoing challenges. The Center provided 12’620 health services to vulnerable populations in the first quarter of 2023. The services provided by the CHC are based on the basic package of health services (BPHS). Around 41% of the services provided are vaccines, followed by outpatient department consultations (OPD) 21%.

A total of 401 family planning services were administered during the first quarter of 2023. The CHC received 88 women, who benefited from antenatal and postnatal care services during the period. More than half of the visits or consultations (49) were attributed to the first antenatal care visit, 15 for other antenatal visits, 15 for the first postnatal visits and only 9 for further postnatal visits.

Despite the challenges with the current ultrasound machine we have had received and examined 1'408 women in the first quarter of 2023, by ultrasounds service at the CHC. Pregnant women are being checked for the health, development and growth of the fetus and for complications related to pregnancy, and other women are evaluated for any issues such as gallstones. Unfortunately we have not yet been able to collect enough funds to purchase new machines for the health facility.

We thank our donors for their support and trust in AfD services and hope that soon we will be able to collect enough funds to provide better services to our patients, who are mainly women.

Project Summary

Afghanistan is facing serious consequences of a disrupted environment due to protracted war (for 43 years) and more recently due to change of regime and constraints and blockage of funding from August 2021, not receiving medical supplies and the life saving equipment needed to give citizens standard health services.    Medical equipment is required in AfDs' Community Run Comprehensive Health Center in Kabul, Afghanistan in the maternity ward and general health care services ranging from lab testing supplies, standard microscope, delivery table, and ultra-sound machine.    Your donation will make an incredible impact on the lives of patients paving the way to proper analysis and treatment, and we need your support.

What Is The Problem?

The Community Run health care center was established through funds provided by Afghanistan Diaspora community who supported the set up and procurement of necessary equipment in 2012. Currently, after years of service certain medical equipment in the maternity ward at the CHC need to be upgraded to provide adequate health care to women and children.  The ultrasound machine, lab microscope are amongst those which poorly function. The delivery table and beds are also worn out. In addition to medical equipment and machines there is also a need for lab testing supplies, delivery cots, and more - all relating to the well being of women, children, and Afghanistan's future.  The CHC in Kabul needs your help for the procurement of these machines and supplies.

How Will This Project Solve The Problem?

Without direct giving by AfD, the CHC cannot afford to purchase the items on their own. Currently the health facility staff salaries come as proportion of the user-fee generated by the health facility. The user-fee system is piloted to supplement the cost of providing health services in return of 0.85USD per patient service. A number of women headed families who cannot afford this fee receive exemption cards to ensure their access to free health services. The collected amount pays  2/3 proportion of the cost of the implementation of the services.   By having the resources available to support the CHC in upgrading their equipment and stores of supplies, AfD will be able to purchase the items to the facility in Kabul.  The machines and supplies will be ordered on an urgent-priority basis to the facility as donations are received, and integrated into the facility, ensuring standard quality health services continue.

Potential Long Term Impact?

In reaching the goal to achieve the life saving medical equipment, individuals in Afghanistan will benefit from the health services that can be continued, and enhanced through efficient technologies.  Women can receive the prenatal and delivery care of standard modern day medicine which all women deserve.  Families will benefit directly as a result of having the healthcare available, and it may reduce the risks of families travelling to seek alternative care in other regions which further contributes to out-of-pocket expenditures for health care and as a result pushes the families further into poverty.