GlobalGiving.org: Save Rural Afghan Women & Children With Healthcare

Community Health Workers Reach So Many

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:09:44 GMT

In addition to the rural clinics operated by the Afghan Institute of Learning, there are CHW’s (Community Health Workers) working in the rural villages of Herat and Kabul. More than 65,000 families were visited by these CHW’s between January and November of this year. The CHWs are able to offer health education, first aid, and assist in prenatal and postnatal care and deliveries. They can also offer health assessments and refer patients to clinics when the illness or wound is more than they can take care of.

All of the health aspects of AIL’s programs have steadily increased over the years. More and more patients are being seen and treated and AIL intends to continue and expand its services.

Thank you to all of you who supported these efforts.

Ten Reproductive Health Seminars Held

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:31:41 GMT

From January through August of this year, the Afghan Institute of Learning has held 10 separate, five day Seminars on Reproductive Health. The total number of women who have attended these seminars is 333. The participants vary. Some are housewives, students, teachers, and government workers. Many of the participants are illiterate and the program is adapted to be very easy to understand using pictures, oral instruction and by having the attendees actively participate with question and answer and hands-on activities.

The women are informed of all aspects of pregnancy, labor, delivery, breastfeeding, child spacing and how to keep themselves healthy before, during and after a pregnancy. Parisa, one of the participants said, “This workshop can prevent the mortality of women and their children. Women receive enough information about all of the issues of delivery and reproductive health and we can carry this information to others, especially our families. Now I can provide reasons to others why it is better to deliver in a clinic or hospital instead of at home.”

Another AIL Project, “Transform Lives of 70,000 Afghan Adolescent Girls” has been chosen to be part of the Girl Effect Challenge, which runs from October 15 through November 15, 2011. Approximately 60 projects have been included in this challenge. The top six projects with the highest number of unique donations will become part of the Girl Effect Fund for one year and each is expected to earn an additional $25,000. Please check out our project #8791, and thank you for your generous support of our programs!

Great outcomes!

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:34:26 GMT

A recent report by “Save the Children” listed Afghanistan as the worst place to be a woman. One reason for this was the very high mortality rate. According to that report, the lifetime risk of maternal death is 1 in 11, and the life expectancy of a female in Afghanistan is 45.

AIL continues to reach more people, especially women, through their health education programs. Subjects taught include women’s health, violence against women, reproductive health, first aid, self-immolation, family planning, vaccinations, nutrition and other topics requested by participants.

Additionally, AIL began a pilot program for Expectant Mothers in November, 2010. We are beginning to see the results of this program, and they are very positive. Since the Expectant Mother program workshops started in November 2010:

only 6 mothers from the 37 who attended workshops in November 2010 through February 2011 gave birth at home. The vast majority have had their babies at the clinic or hospital. This is remarkable in a society where home birth is the norm and where today’s mothers were most likely born at home and have mothers themselves or mothers in law who believe home birth the accepted practice as they themselves experienced it. These women have little or no access to women who have had births at clinics or hospitals so they are stepping out of the known in choosing a clinic birth.
Only one stillbirth and one complication were recorded for the 37 women who have had their babies since attending a workshop. This is a rate of 2.7%. The national average is currently recorded by UNFPA for stillbirth as 70 per 1000 live births and by Afghan government as 5.2% in 2010 for neonatal death.
There have been no maternal deaths compared to national rate of 820 deaths per 100,000 births (UNFPA) and as 1.4% by UNICEF

Succeeding

AIL Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:22:01 GMT

A doctor in one of AIL’s rural clinics shared the following story:

“One day a woman came into our clinic with her baby. She said the baby was very weak and had some breathing problems. After weighing and measuring the baby, it was clear that the baby was undernourished. I asked the mother if the baby had been given powder formula and she said yes. She had breastfed the baby until she was one year old and then gave her formula. I talked with the mother about good nutrition and about feeding the baby less at one time but more times per day. I gave her some nutrition powder and other medicine for the baby. The lady came back two weeks later to get some more medicine and then she returned two weeks after that and her baby was doing much better. I weighed and measured the baby again and this time it was better. The mother was so happy that the baby was doing so much better.”

According to all of the AIL Health staff, “It is the health education and the personal attention that we give the patients that has made the most difference in the health of the women and children who come to our clinics.”

Five Reasons to Celebrate

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:01:11 GMT

Five Reasons to Celebrate

The year 2010 has been one of many challenges for people throughout the world. In Afghanistan, insecurity, violence, and poverty continue to threaten communities. But the people of Afghanistan are strong and hopeful, and they are working hard to overcome these challenges. At the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), we see it every day. You can help Afghans, particularly women and children, to create a better future for themselves and their families with a contribution to AIL through Global Giving.

Looking back upon the year, what we focus on are our reasons to celebrate.

As a generous donor to AIL, you are a gift to us and to the people of Afghanistan. We thank you and they thank you!!!

In fact, you make all of the other reasons to celebrate possible. Here is the rest of AIL’s top five reasons to celebrate in 2010:

Fatima’s story. Fatima is 22 is and has just graduated from Herat University and come to work with AIL. As a young girl, her school was closed by the Taliban. She continued studying in one of AIL’s underground home schools and in 2002, reentered high school, graduated and went on to university. Today, her dream, we are humbled to learn, is to work for AIL. She said, “AIL works for people, AIL helps needy people and AIL works among people. Also AIL’s wish is that Afghan woman and girls can support themselves and their families so the Afghan woman and girls are interested in this project.”

Each of the more than 7.9 million people (70% female) who have participated in AIL’s programs since 1996 is a reason to celebrate. In spite of many challenges, they have chosen to improve their lives and their communities by attending AIL’s Teacher Training, Learning Centers, workshops, and schools; seeking health care and health education at AIL’s health clinics; or receiving AIL’s Community Health Workers into their homes.

AIL’s new gynecological and surgical hospital opened in October 2010. It is the only private women’s hospital in Herat province. To keep the reasons to celebrate continuing, fees paid by patients who can afford them will eventually help subsidize AIL’s services at community-based clinics.

The Cultural Association Center, a new Learning Center AIL opened in April 2010, located in a rural area about 50 km from Herat City. The people of the area are very poor and primarily illiterate. The community learned about AIL’s ability to help them offer educational opportunities to their citizens and worked together to build a small facility. Although all communities are involved in the establishment and sustainability of their centers, this rural area was able to rally its citizens to make this project a success. Through November, nearly 300 students, all of them female, have attended courses at the Center. Subjects included Arabic, Tailoring/Sewing, Math, and Literacy.

Your renewed support will help AIL and the Afghan people start 2011 with renewed hope. If you have not yet renewed your support for AIL, please donate today and tell a friend. Thank you and best wishes.

Grateful and Undaunted

Sakena Yacoobi — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:36:33 GMT

Grateful and Undaunted

At this time of year, we are reminded of our many blessings and how the people in our lives enrich us and bring joy to every day. All of us at the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) are especially grateful to you, for your generous support of our efforts to help the people of Afghanistan overcome many challenges. Through education, teacher training, health care programs, and emergency assistance, as one woman put it, “… AIL is like an experienced mother in our society who is here to get more information to the women of Afghanistan.” We are able to serve that vital role – for the women, men, and children of Afghanistan – because of your contribution. Thank you!

As you celebrate this Holiday Season and anticipate the approach of the New Year, we hope that you will think of us again and make another donation to help ensure AIL is able to continue our work. You have most likely heard that Afghanistan continues to suffer terrible insecurity and poverty. But AIL is undaunted by the headlines because we know that the people of Afghanistan are working hard every day to improve their lives and the future of their country. Together with the people of Afghanistan, we are confident because we know that people like you believe in us and stand by us.

When you make your donation, check out the Tribute Card and Gift Card options – and please tell a friend about AIL and encourage them to make a donation too. As AIL’s founder and executive director, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi has said, “Reach out to others and give a gift to yourself."

No matter what our circumstances today, when we believe in each other and work together, we can be assured that tomorrow will be better. Seasons Greetings and thank you again.

Sakena Yacoobi

AIL Executive Director

Update

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:31:58 GMT

Following is a story about how the pharmacist at AIL’s Maladan Clinic in Herat helped a boy and his mother:

Farhad is 7 years old and he lives in Maladan. One day he was very sick and his mother carried Farhad to the clinic with a bad condition. Farhad had a very Acute Enteritis and he had a rapid pulse, dry mouth and very dangerous vomiting and diarrhea so he was almost unconscious. Farhad’s Mother was crying and asked me “why is my son dying? Why? Why? Why?” I said “don’t cry-- we will help him and if God wants he will become healthy.” I rapidly transfused him with Ringer Fluid Serum; after one hour Farhad opened his eyes and said “I am thirsty give me water water water.” We gave Pedialyte Solution to his mother to give for Farhad .

His mother said “I bought some ORS Powder from the pharmacy and the ORS is very tasteless so my son didn’t eat ORS.” I said “This Pedialyt is not tasteless.” His mother gave him pedialyte and he became better and better so his Mother prayed for all the clinic staff.

I asked her “Why did your son get diarrhea?” She said: “we don’t have sanitation and faucet water and we drink uncovered well water.”

I said her “You must drink boiled water and you must cover your well soon”.

She promised to cover their well and boil their water.

At the end of the serum I said “Please give him Pedialyte on the way and in the house” so Farhad was very happy and well and went with his mother laughing.

Save Rural Afghan Women & Children with Healthcare

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:42:38 GMT

Dear Supporters, We greatly appreciate your continued support for Save Rural Afghan Women and Children with Health care! We have been given a wonderful opportunity with The Safer World Fund!! For a limited time, any donation to this project will be matched 100% by The Safer World Matching Fund! Please help us take advantage of this amazing offer to give health care to even more women and children.

Summer Update 2010

Sondra Johnson — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:16:10 GMT

The Afghanistan Institute of Learning provides health services through its six health clinics in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Education about health topics are also offered at these clinics as well as through the Community Health Worker programs. In the first six months in 2010, AIL treated 101,821 patients and gave health education to 104,906 individuals.

At a recent Reproductive Health workshop, one woman shared the following: “All of the time my babies were premature and I didn’t take care about proper eating of food and vegetables and family planning. When I came here I learned how to take care of my babies. I believe AIL is like an experienced mother in our society who is here to get more information to the women of Afghanistan.”

Another participant said “In the period of Taliban we hadn’t have any clinic or any hospital in my village. All the pregnant women delivered their babies in their houses. This process was very dangerous for the women. Right now, we have a clinic in my district all the women. Women go to that clinic and solve their pregnancy problems. My thanks to AIL that support the clinic in my village.”

Summer Update 2010

Sondra Johnson — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:38:44 GMT

Sakena Yacoobi honored for her work in health

Toc Dunlap — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:50:55 GMT

“Reach out to others and give a gift to yourself.”

Sakena Yacoobi, founder and executive director of the Afghan Institute of Learning, urged the advanced degree graduates of Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California to “reach out to others and give a gift to yourself” in the process in her 2010 Commencement speech. She has been a model of such action since 1995. Under her leadership, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has delivered education and health services to over 7.1 million Afghan women, children and men. In appreciation of her work, SCU honored her with an honorary Doctor of Education Honoris Causa degree.

“Health and literacy are keys to human rights, empowerment and self sufficiency,” says Dr Yacoobi, Mann Award winner.

Less than a week later, Dr. Yacoobi was at the Global Health Conference in Washington, DC to receive the 2010 Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights established to honor the late Jonathan Mann and to call attention to the vital links between health and human rights. The Award is bestowed annually on an individual who shows an overwhelming commitment to health and human rights, often at great personal danger.

Sakena Yacoobi considers access to health care and education as human rights and takes a holistic approach to advancing health and human rights, particularly for women. Growing up in Afghanistan, Dr. Yacoobi saw firsthand the damage that inequity and a lack of education and lack of access to health care can inflict upon women and children. After receiving her undergraduate and masters degree in health in the U.S., she returned to help her fellow countrywomen. As the Taliban were closing schools for women and girls in Afghanistan, Dr. Yacoobi founded the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) in 1995 to fight oppressive traditions that left women uneducated and put their lives at risk.

Dr. Yacoobi and AIL believe that “all Afghan women can be catalysts for change in Afghanistan. With an education that teaches them how to think and to educate others, as well as an awareness of their human rights, women can create a better future for all Afghans… we know that educated women will educate families, communities, and the nation to bring lasting peace.” And the same is true for health. Health education is integral to all of AIL’s activities, as knowledge about health empowers individuals to care for themselves and their families.

Believing that access to education is a basic human right that should be available to all women and girls, AIL began by providing literacy, primary and secondary education, university classes, and teacher training for women across Afghanistan. AIL pioneered the concept of Women’s Learning Centers in Afghanistan, which teach literacy, health education, human rights education, religious study, and income-generating skills. AIL was the first organization to offer human rights and leadership training to Afghan women. AIL has integrated health programs into its work and now operates seven clinics that provide prenatal care, safe delivery, well-baby care, immunizations, and primary-care services. AIL also operates mobile medical outreach campaigns, trains and supports community health workers, and developed a nurse/midwife/health educator course that graduates some of the most highly sought-after healthcare providers in Afghanistan.

AIL currently serves 350,000 women and children each year in Afghanistan and Pakistan and has provided education, training and health services to over 7.1 million Afghans since 1995. AIL is run by women and operated by women: of its 480 employees, more than 70% are women.

Every student in every one of AIL’s Women’s Learning Center s, every patient in AIL’s seven health clinics, and every family served through AIL’s Community Health Worker program receives basic health education along with health services and has opportunities to receive culturally sensitive additional “healthy families” training. AIL also provides 2-5 day workshops in reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, self immolation (rarely done by others for security reasons) and general health. This program targets young women, ages 10-25 years old, so that they have the knowledge they need early enough to prevent the health problems of their predecessors.

Dr. Yacoobi’s approach to health and human rights is changing the culture of Afghanistan. Social dynamics have improved among families and neighbors as a result of the contributions healthy and educated girls and women make in their homes and communities. Under some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable, Dr. Yacoobi is rebuilding family cohesion and a culture that respects the rights of each individual.

Though at times weary from the many demands put upon her, Sakena has no plans to slow down. “There is so much that needs to be done to help my people,” she says. “I have deep hope for Afghanistan, and I am proud of the women who get up in the morning, say goodbye to their family, and go to work… go to learning… because they know that they must learn. The only way they can stop problems is to learn. They are learning, and they are not afraid.”

Dr. Yacoobi’s vision is to transform the way that Afghans regard human rights for women and for all Afghans. She firmly believes that when the war is over, the Afghan people will be self-sufficient and a people who respect everyone’s rights.

Summer Update from the Afghan Institute of Learning

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:34:13 GMT

We’d like to share some great news with you that will give you a better understanding of our project and the work we do in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Through the generosity of the Skoll Foundation, a timely video was produced about life in Afghanistan and the work AIL is doing to make a difference. The film producer and crew did a beautiful job capturing the essence of the best of the Afghan people, and the struggles they work with to achieve a better life. This film is now on YouTube, and it will be the best seven minutes you spend today. Moderated by Sakena Yacoobi, AIL’s executive director, this video offers a true taste of Afghanistan. Here’s the link to view it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7t1Xu_MwHg We are also adding this as a permanent link to this project for future viewing. Your donation makes a precious impact on the lives of Afghan men, women and children. We thank you for your past support, and encourage you to forward this message to those who can help to continue this important work.

A reminder: June 16 is a special Global Giving Matching Day! - GlobalGiving will be matching all donations up to $1,000 per donor per project for this project at a 50% match. If you could like to donate again to our project, your donation will go further on June 16th. Thank you for your support….

Links:

Wonderful Video about AIL and Life in Afghanistan

Spring Update

Sondra Johnson — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:12:26 GMT

In 2009, AIL provided health services to 191,251 women and children through its five health clinics in Herat and Kabul provinces and through Community Health Worker outposts. In conjunction with health care service, 171,341 women received health education. AIL provides education at every opportunity as this is the way to help people improve their health and welfare. A midwife of an AIL clinic said: Jamila and Saeda are friends. Jamila came from the first day to the clinic for her pre-pregnancy education, but Saeda didn't come to learn and to solve her pregnancy problems. Saeda said that her mother in law said that she had given birth to 12 children and she didn't go even once to the clinic. Saeda was very nervous about her pregnancy. Jamila persuaded Saeda’s mother in law to let Saeda come to the clinic and that they would help her. She accepted the advice and they both came to the clinic and learned about pregnancy and how to solve any problems. Saeda gave birth to a healthy child and did the post natal care. She was so pleased and Saeda 's mother in law was also pleased and promised that if there is any pregnancy problem she will bring her Saeda to the clinic. Both thanked all the clinic staff. Other AIL Accomplishments in 2009 included: • AIL trained over 1,800 Afghan teachers in pedagogy subjects, leadership, human rights, and school health. These teachers went to their classes and directly impacted over 500,000 students teaching these important subjects. • Nearly 23,000 students (primarily women and children) attended classes at AIL educational learning centers. • In January 2010, AIL expanded humanitarian aid efforts with the harsh winter and reached out to 22 families in need. AIL staff delivered to each family quantities of rice, cooking oil and tea. Most heads of the family were widows with children from Herat, and were recommended by community members. • In February 2010, flooding in the Enjil district of Herat destroyed many family homes, and AIL responded with a concerted effort of initial food aid. Reminder: On March 16, 2010, GlobalGiving will be matching all donations made to any project on www.globalgiving.org by 30% (up to $1,000 per person)! If you could like to donate again to our project, your donation will go further on March 16th!!!

An invitation to read our newsletter

Sondra Johnson — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:44:21 GMT

Afghanistan is in the news a lot these days. As a donor to a project in Afghanistan, you may be wondering if change is happening, and if your donation really makes any difference. Following is a message from Dr. Sakena Yacoobi that answers your questions. It’s part of our annual newsletter, where we also share progress reports from several areas, and the impact AIL’s work is having in Afghan lives. This newsletter is below in a PDF format; we invite you to click on it and read ALL the details……

From Sakena Yacoobi: First, I want to thank all of you for supporting the work of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL). Your support is so important. Yes, the funds you send help us to bring education and health to so many Afghan women and children. But, more importantly, in this time of increasing violence and insecurity in Afghanistan, your support helps Afghans to know that they are not forgotten. It gives ordinary Afghan women, men and children the courage to keep studying, to keep going to clinics and to keep working for peace.

Today you probably hear that Afghanistan is a place of war, terrorist bombings, burning of schools, kidnapping, drugs and all kinds of other horrible things. And it is true that in every province of Afghanistan, including the capitol, every single day, these kinds of things are happening. But what you might not hear in your news is that everyday many women, men and children of Afghanistan get up in the morning….. say goodbye to their family…..and go to work….. go to schools and centers ….. go to trainings……because they know that they must be educated. They know that the only way they can stop these problems is to be educated. So they are learning, they are teaching and they are not afraid.

And when there is no electricity or no clean water or no school or no road or no job and there is no help from the national government or the international agencies, Afghans, particularly women, are joining together in community or with their local officials to find ways to solve their own problems. And, with your help, AIL is helping them to do this. I want to let you know that as dark as it seems to be in Afghanistan now, much is happening. Afghans, themselves, are changing. They are educating themselves; they are making sure that their children are educated; they are finding new ways to solve their problems. I would ask you to walk with us a little further on our journey towards peace.

TO READ the rest of our annual newsletter, please click on the PDF link below and it will open for your inspection-

Attachments:

2009 Newsletter (PDF)

A Special Giving Opportunity.....

Sondra Johnson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:55:27 GMT

Thank you for your support. Your desire to make a difference in this world has made a difference, and we are so thankful that Afghan people have had their lives changed with your help.

We wanted to share with you a very special opportunity to give more than 100% from November 10 through December 1st. Please share this with those you know who care. During this time, we are privileged to receive additional matching funds from your donation through Global Giving of at least 30%. The need is still great. Afghanistan struggles to become a country of strength and stability.

Recently, a visitor to an AIL clinic had this to share: “My name is Karima. I am 18 years old and single and I had a very bad pain in my stomach. I could not eat anything I visited many people and took many natural herbal medicines to relieve the pain but I still had the problem. When I visited the clinic the doctors checked me and they also did some laboratory tests. They found that I had very bad intestinal problem, so they started treatment and now I am feeling well.” An AIL midwife at one of the clinics described how she assisted in a delivery: “A patient came from Robat Torkan at 8:30am for delivery. She was afraid because she had had vaginal bleeding in previous deliveries. We encouraged her and told her not to worry. After an exam we gave her Amp Oxytocine, and serum ringer 1000cc and at 10 o'clock she gave birth. The baby weighed 4 kg and was normal. After delivering the mother had bleeding. The doctor ordered the necessary medicines to stop the bleeding. By 2pm, the patient was normal and we gave her advice and education. She thanked us for our services and was so happy. She then left the clinic with her new baby.”

Sakena Wishes to Thank Her Supporters

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:09:21 GMT

There's a new focus on women worldwide. The New York Times magazine dedicated their entire issue one week in August on women in the developing world. Of particular focus was a newly launched book written by the well-known Pulitzer winning couple Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl DuWunn titled: "Half The Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide". The press focus on this timely book is significant- from reviews in Harvard and People magazine, to upcoming segments on shows like "The Today Show", the time has come for women and their issues worldwide to be in the spotlight.

Sakena Yacoobi and her organization the Afghan Institute of Learning is one of the topics in Chapter Nine of the book. Dr. Yacoobi grew up in Herat, Afghanistan and then came to the United States to study at the University of the Pacific and Loma Linda University. Concerned about the condition of her people back in Afghanistan, Sakena returned to Pakistan to work in Afghan refugee camps and later went to Afghanistan. Although the Taliban forbade girls from getting an education in Afghanistan, Sakena was instrumental in establishing a string of secret girls schools with community support.

Today, the Afghan Institute of Learning has multiple education programs in Pakistan and in seven provinces of Afghanistan. There are educational learning centers for women and children, preschool programs, post-secondary institutes, a university, and teacher training programs. In addition, AIL has an in-depth program of health education and treatment for women and small children. Since its start in 1995, AIL has trained nearly 16,000 teachers and over 3.5 million women and children have received a quality education. With the health programs included, AIL has directly impacted over 6.7 million Afghans.

Sakena has been and continues to be recognized for her work. Her philosophy is to develop a program from the grass-roots level so the community members are an integral part of the process. State Kristof and DuWunn in their book Half The Sky- "American organizations would have accomplished much more if they had financed and supported Sakena, rather than dispatching their own representatives to Kabul...The best role for Americans who want to help Muslim women isn't holding the microphone at the front of the rally, but writing the checks and carrying the bags in the back."

Dr. Yacoobi and the work of the Afghan Institute of Learning have been supported by multiple grantors and organizations over the years. "I wish to thank everyone who has helped in this important work," states Sakena. "I want to share with each and every contributor the joy of seeing a young woman, who has a renewed interest in life because she can now read, or the happiness of a widow who has learned a skill that will allow her to support her children.

"We now have children who are healthy because of inoculations, and women who did not die during childbirth who have happy, healthy babies. My wish is that these small steps that allow awareness and growth in families will lead to the growth of our country."

Recently, we spoke with Sakena, and she has this message to all the supporters of AIL:

"It is an honor to be included in Nicholas' and Sheryl's book Half The Sky. So many foundations and individuals have contributed to the work that the Afghan Institute of Learning has been able to do in Afghanistan.

"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all who have understood the plight of Afghan women and children, and have reached out with compassionate, caring support.

"May God reward your generosity......."

Sakena

August 2009 Update

Alison Hendry — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:07:28 GMT

Recently, AIL was asked by the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs to report on the impact AIL’s programs have had. We were amazed by our findings. Since beginning in 1996 through May 2009, 220,970 Afghans have been educated and received skills training in AIL schools, centers and post-secondary programs. 27, 619 Afghans (more than 70% female) have received teacher training or capacity-building training. AIL has supported 13 clinics serving 998,088 patients and providing health education to 1,520,374 women and children. Overall 6,778,026 Afghan lives have been directly impacted by AIL programs.

During 2008 AIL’s four clinics treated a total of 147,889 patients and provided health education to 84,614 Afghans. In addition, the Community Health Worker program in Herat reached out to 76,345 families.

In June 2009, AIL opened a new clinic to treat patients in Kabul Province. During the first 6 months of 2009, these five clinics have treated 97,816 patients (an increase of 34,470 patients from this time last year) and have provided health education to 45,406 Afghans. The Community Health Worker program has reached out to 33,906 families so far this year.

In addition to AIL’s usual health activities AIL is holding a nine month training in health for 215 teachers from Herat area schools. After being trained, the teachers are returning to their schools to teach students about health and train other teachers in their school to teach health to their students. Topics for the workshops include basic health care, personal sanitation, infectious diseases, first aid, how to tell when a student is sick and many others. Here is what a few of the teachers had to say about the new School Health Program after their first workshop:

“The workshop was excellent because I learned about many personal and social issues and I can convey this information to my students. The trainers implemented student-centered methods and they let all of the participants take part in the discussions. They were kind and respected all of the ideas they heard. The atmosphere in the workshop was so friendly that everyone felt comfortable and could learn easily. The most interesting subject for me was health education and private sanitation. The day after learning about these things I went back to my school and taught all of my students to have their own hanky, soap and glass for water. I also taught them that they must not use things from others to prevent the spread of infectious disease.”

“The teaching methods were excellent and we received a lot of information about school health. The trainer’s behavior was so kind, and the most interesting subject for me was infectious disease. I learned to prevent the spread of infectious disease, which I think is very important for school teachers. I am so happy to have had the chance to attend this workshop. I can teach all of these topics to my students to increase their awareness.”

“I thought all of these subjects were interesting and useful because they have a direct effect on our daily life. Every day we face these issues in the school, and outside them too. The problems that students in my school are facing are diarrhea, typhoid, dysentery and eye problems. The day that we studied cholera and diarrhea in the workshop, I involved myself in the discussion. The trainers told me to make sure that I help students with diarrhea is by making sure they are getting liquids, use medicine and pay attention to personal and environmental sanitation. I did as our trainers said, and it helped my students. It was a very useful workshop. I hope all the issues which we studied can be implemented in all schools and help us to have healthier students. Being healthy will help them to learn their lessons better because as our trainers said, a sound mind is in a sound body.”

May 2009 Update

Alison Hendry — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:16:21 GMT

AIL has recently held several health education workshops and we’d like to share some comments made by participants after the workshops.

“From this workshop I have learned many new things and plan to implement them in my life. I have learned that it is important for a mother to try and prevent herself from getting sick since prevention is better than curing a sickness. I plan to implement the preventions I’ve learned in my life and teach it to my children.”

“I did not vaccinate my child because I did not think it was important, but now I will do it as soon as I leave the workshop. Now I understand how important it is for my child’s health.”

2008 Year End Wrap Up

Alison Hendry — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:25:39 GMT

In 2008 AIL provided health services to 156,966 women through its fixed and mobile, rural health clinics in Herat and Kabul provinces and through Community Health Worker outposts. In conjunction with health care service,112,674 women received health education. AIL believes in providing education at every opportunity as this is the way to help people improve their health and welfare. In the past in Afghanistan, women did not come to clinics for assistance because they did not find that they helped. Over the last seven years, a great deal of trust has been built between the AIL clinic staff and the villagers in the rural areas that they serve. The result is that villagers are now coming to the clinic for delivery of their babies, a rarity in the past. Following is a story from one of the AIL clinics in Herat which shows the positive results that come from having a clinic that is used by people in the area that they live. In the past, this baby probably would have died. A clinic midwife said: "Parimah came to the clinic for delivery at 11 am. She gave birth but the baby was not breathing. We quickly suctioned the baby's nose and mouth kept him warm. We started 40 breath/second and we saw movement of his chest; after two minutes of assistance, his chest moved and he gave a weak cry. The baby was cyanotic so we gave him oxygen. After the resuscitation, the baby got better and his breathing was good and he was able to nurse. We referred him to the vaccine room and educated his mother about breast feeding, post natal care and how to take care of her newborn." With the support of all of you that have donated to this project, this baby's life was saved! Thanks!!!

Stories to Share

Alison Hendry — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:57:51 GMT

Following is a story as reported by a female nurse at one of AIL’s clinics about a woman that came to the clinic for treatment after being injured while working with her husband on their house.

One day in early July a woman was brought to the clinic by her husband and her mother. The woman said “My husband was building rooms on our house this morning, and I was helping when suddenly a brick dropped on my head, and my head was broken. My mother put black tea on the wound area to stop the bleeding, but the bleeding did not stop. My husband brought me to the clinic.” A female nurse dressed the injured area with anti-septic liquid and then sent the woman to the OPD room for examination and advised her to come to the clinic to have her dressings changed every other day. The OPD doctors asked her about her mental condition (did she have vomiting or vertigo), and she had no problems. She was in good condition, and was then discharged from the clinic. The woman and her family thanked AIL and the health staff.

Snapshot (2008) of the Rural Health Care Project

Alison Hendry — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:40:33 GMT

Creating Hope International’s partner, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), has 3 rural health clinics—Imam Shish Nur and Jagartan Clinics in Herat Province and Mir Bacha Kot Clinic in Kabul Province. From January through June 2008, AIL’s three clinics:

- treated 63,345 total patients - treated 9,347 reproductive health patients - vaccinated 17,977 women and children - gave health education lessons to 31,563 women and children - treated 182 children for malnutrition - held reproductive health and women’s health workshops for 697 women

Nearly all of the patients treated at AIL’s 3 rural clinics are women and children. In the first 6 months of 2008, the rural clinics treated 12,258 more patients than in the same time period during 2007.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) program in the Herat clinics continues to be a great in building the “health capacity” of the rural communities where the CHWs work. In the first six months of 2008, CHWs visited 39,781 families and provided health services to 18,791 patients. During each visit, CHWs also give health education information to the families. Since the Afghan government recently said that no fees could be charged at clinics resulting in many more patients, most of whom are not ill, coming to the clinics, the CHW program will continue to be helpful in alleviating the patient load at the clinics.

Following is a story demonstrating the dedication of the clinic staff and the benefit the clinic’s services are bringing to those who live in rural areas:

Pharmacist of Iman Shish Nur Clinic in Herat said: “The 12th of January was a cold and snowy day; with a lot of problems when we arrived at the clinic. When the people who had been to the clinic before saw us, they were happy. They said ‘we didn’t think that you come to the clinic.’ That day we visited more than 50 patients. It was very helpful for the people because this clinic is their only hope.”

Snapshot of project January-June 2007

Toc Dunlap — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:54:18 GMT

Doctor examining patient in Herat clinic

The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has 3 rural health clinics—Imam Shish Nur and Jagartan Clinics in Herat Province and Mir Bacha Kot Clinic in Kabul Province. From January through June 2007, AIL’s three clinics:

• treated 51,087 total patients • treated 8,039 reproductive health patients • vaccinated 24,717 women and children • gave health education lessons to 41,534 women and children • treated 184 children for malnutrition • held reproductive health and women’s health workshops for 812 women

In Herat, a new, larger clinic building was constructed to replace the old existing building in Jagartan and a new wall was built around the clinic in Imam Shish Nur.

Because of the emphasis that AIL places on health education, there has been a significant decrease (50%) in the number of children being treated for malnutrition.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) program in the Herat clinics is greatly helping to build the “health capacity” of the rural communities where the CHWs work. In the first six months of 2007, CHWs visited 38,862 families and provided health services to 13,956 patients. During each visit, CHWs also give health education information to the families.

A few reports from clinic staff and patients follow:

The outreach vaccinator of Iman Shish Nur Clinic in Herat reported," One day when I went to a village, a lot of women gathered round me for vaccinations for their children. In the beginning I explained to them the advantages of vaccination. When I finished, a woman asked me why I vaccinated women and children. I answered because the vaccine prevents you and your children from getting some dangerous diseases. The TT vaccine protects you from Tetanus and Polio; Diphtheria; Pertussis; TT; Hepatitis B and Measles vaccine protects children. She asked me again, why do you vaccinate the women between the 15-49 year olds? I answered because you have menstruation and give birth to babies. If you don’t get vaccine, you will get different illnesses. She said if we get TT vaccine, will it prevent us from getting tetanus disease? I told her yes, when you have completed your five periods of vaccine you are fully immunized and your children too. In the end, all the women were happy because they and their children will be fully immunized against dangerous diseases.”

The midwives of Jaghartan Clinic in Herat said," This month we gave more information to women about family planning methods including IUD and its benefits. They were encouraged to use this method and they promised to talk to their husbands and then come back. We encouraged the pregnant women to come for a safe delivery in the clinic and showed them the sterile midwifery area, delivery room and its equipment.” Some CHWs in Herat from different areas said," Now it is the season of reaping wheat and other grain. During the reaping the farmers cut their hands or feet and they need dressings and so the CHWs dress the injuries. The people are happy with the CHW services because they are able to provide health services for the people.”

Doctor examining patient in Herat clinic

Video from Afghanistan

Afghan Institute of Learning — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:20:49 GMT

I wanted to let you know about a piece on the AIL health programs on Yahoo that was up this weekend. A staff person from Direct Relief was recently in Afghanistan visiting AIL programs. The link below is a piece he put together with Yahoo about AIL's programs.

Click below to see the video!

Links:

Afghanistan: New Births, New Hopes

Annual Report

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:35:21 GMT

Attachments:

AIL 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Update

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:30:27 GMT

The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has 3 rural health clinics—two in Herat Province and one in Kabul Province. From November 2005 through August 2006, AIL’s three clinics did the following:

-treated 86750 total patients -treated 16108 reproductive health patients -vaccinated 75704 women and children -gave health education lessons to 75704 women and children -treated 295 children for malnutrition -held four-day reproductive health workshops for 352 women and 5 men

Mid-Year Report

Afghan Institute of Learning — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 18:59:37 GMT

Creating Hope International shares this mid-year report from the Afghan Institute of Learning, highlighting some of AIL's recent successes!

Attachments:

AIL Report (DOC)