WOMEN’S HEALTH: In the midst of an extremely difficult situation, Afghan women run health clinics that offer follow-up before, during, and after pregnancy.
Several hours from the provincial capital on a bumpy and dangerous road, over high mountains, and through deep valleys – this is how you can describe the journey to the hospital for most Afghan women who live in rural areas. In addition to the long journey, the Taliban’s requirement for a male travel companion makes it neither practical nor financially possible for women to seek health care or a midwife. The NAC’s projects meet this challenge by bringing health services closer to the woman, instead of the other way around.
Nearby and affordable
As a result of lacking health services, midwives trained at the NAC’s health schools have established eight health clinics in Kapisa, Khost and Paktia, inspired by the World Health Organization’s concept of Continuum of Care. The clinics are run by the women themselves, with professional and financial support from the NAC. This is a low-threshold service that includes maternal, infant, and child health. It is also possible to give birth at the health clinics.
The purpose is to strengthen pregnancy care before, during, and after birth. In practice, this means that the pregnant woman receives close follow-up by a qualified midwife throughout the pregnancy, so that irregularities are discovered early. Complicated births can then be referred to hospital. The health clinics are equipped with qualified midwives, pediatric nurses, and other health workers. The NAC’s health team ensures professional follow-up of the staff and ensures supplies of quality-controlled medicines.
Patients pay according to their means, and health services are free for the very poorest. This is possible because the offer is very cost-effective, and because it is supported by the NAC. The local community does also contribute significantly by offering premises free of charge and ensuring maintenance. Guarding is run on a voluntary basis.
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- After several years with decreasing maternal and infant mortality rates, we now see that it is on the rise again in several areas.
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- A number of health clinics run by and for women offer good follow-up before, during, and after pregnancy for women in rural Afghanistan.
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- The concept is sustainable because it is cheap to operate, and because it is so firmly rooted in local ownership in the villages.
Local ownership
The health clinics are run in close collaboration with local village leaders and local health shuras (health committees). The local health committees contribute to the process of deciding where the health clinics will be established. They are also involved in the recruitment of staff. The health staff at the clinic participate in monthly dialogue meetings to discuss aspects such as the implementation of information campaigns on hygiene, nutrition, infectious diseases, and general health promotion measures.
These clinics have strong support because the treatment is of high quality and saves lives. The local communities also contribute financially. In Nejrab in Kapisa, a midwife sold her personal valuables, including her own wedding ring, to finance an extra room in the health clinic where she works. In another case, the father of a midwife sold his cow to contribute.
You can help
There is a substantial need for health clinics around the country, especially in remote areas where there is far from what is left of public health services in a system that has almost collapsed after the Taliban seized power. This is particularly important in districts where snow during the winter and floods during the spring make access increasingly difficult.
In other words, the clinics are both very cost-effective and more sustainable because the local community is strongly involved. In the current situation, it is not possible to run the clinics without financial support from organizations such as the NAC. With contributions from private and public donors, we can support a higher number of midwives and nurses in establishing clinics in areas without life-saving healthcare. Your support for these clinics is therefore a good investment for the future!
