GlobalGiving.org: Help Afghan Women Deliver Healthy Babies Safely

Health is Improving

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:58:46 GMT

The Afghan Institute of Learning operates three health clinics in rural Herat. Between January and November of this year, 17490 reproductive health patients were seen at these clinics.

The Afghan people of the past had a general distrust of the medical profession. As the people are becoming better educated, and access to doctors and clinics is increasing, their overall health is improving, and specifically, as women continue to seek health care, the maternal and child death rates are declining.

Thank you to everyone to helped to support this program.

Reproductive Health Seminars

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:26:22 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!

Pilot Program Launched

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:35:47 GMT

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

Helpful Knowledge Conveyed

AIL Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:27:53 GMT

A patient at one of AIL’s clinics tells this story: “I am 30 years old and I got married when I was sixteen; I have six children. I did not understand what child spacing was and so my life and my family were negatively affected by this lack of knowledge. One day I ran into a friend who noticed my poor health. She referred me to AIL’s clinic to learn more about child spacing. I went to the clinic and learned about health education regarding child spacing and I realized I should follow a child spacing program for my health. I also requested that they give me a contraceptive injection. After learning about child spacing I can take better care of myself and my family. I want to thank the establisher of this clinic that has rescued me from these health difficulties.”

Five Reasons to Celebrate

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:57:54 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 18:37:54 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 13:53:22 GMT

The following story illustrates how AIL empowers Afghan women through encouraging them to share what they have learned with others:

“We had a neighbor who was pregnant all the time. She was worried about these pregnancies. She went to the AIL reproductive health workshop and she learned about guidance before a delivery and other issues that were discussed and taught in the workshop. Fortunately, she shared these issues with her friends when she gave a mini workshop to the others. This is a successful example in our society how these workshops help the development in Afghanistan.”

Summer Update 2010

Sondra Johnson — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:35:05 GMT

Health education is critical for the health of a mother and baby before, during and after a birth. Afghanistan has one of the world’s highest infant and mother mortality rates. AIL is passionate about giving women the information they need to increase their chances of a successful birth.

In 2010 through June, AIL taught 13 Health and Reproductive Health workshops to 413 women.

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.”

Most Afghan women deliver their babies at home. AIL has been encouraging women to come to clinics and hospitals when they can to deliver their babies. In the first six months of 2010, 163 babies have been successfully delivered in AIL clinics.

Sakena Yacoobi honored for her work in health

Toc Dunlap — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:52:23 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 15:28:53 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 15:14:38 GMT

In 2009, AIL staff in their 5 clinics delivered 304 babies. Of those, 300 were healthy. That’s a stark contrast to the infant mortality rate in Afghanistan of 15%. The Afghan Institute of Learning has a popular 18-month nurse/midwife/health educator program with a long waiting list; graduates of this program can quickly find jobs with medical facilities. AIL would like to expand their nursing program, but is unable to due to limited funding. A Midwife reports the following: “Wahida is a returnee patient to our clinic. She came to us during her first pregnancy and attended the clinic from the beginning of the pregnancy for pre natal care. She promised us that when she was ready for delivery she would come to the clinic for a safe birth. She then came in labor with her mother and mother in law. We made all delivery preparations for her, and she had a normal delivery. Her mother and mother in law were very happy because their daughter and new grandchild were OK. They said it was very helpful for them that all maternity services in this clinic are free and that they would, from now on, encourage people to come to the clinic for safe deliveries. The baby breast fed and then the grandmother took him vaccinations in the vaccine room. After two hours when they left the clinic, they were happy and appreciative of AIL’s health services. 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. • Over 362,000 Afghans received medical treatment and health education from AIL’s 6 health clinics and community health worker program. • 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 21:41:38 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 16:58:38 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.

In the month of September, the Afghan Institute of Learning delivered 29 healthy babies. This may seem like a few but just a few years ago, no one delivered their babies in the clinic. Now the community trusts AIL and the women know that they will have a safer delivery in the clinic than at home. So, they come to the clinics for deliveries if it is possible. Unfortunately, because of security concerns, the clinic cannot stay open in the night so that more women could have their deliveries in the clinic. Participants at a recent Reproductive Health class learned about pre and post-natal care. Many women did not know why pregnant women felt pain during pregnancy. They had many pregnancy-related situations they had experienced, and now understand what is happening. Students also learned about infant health. Many infant children have died because of diarrhea and now these women know ways to help their children. This was the first workshop of this type for them- they were happy to learn about many important matters, and that they could freely share their problems and their personal experience. 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 19:07:59 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 13:09:34 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, AIL has supported 13 clinics serving 998,088 patients and providing health education to 1,520,374 women and children. 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. Overall 6,778,026 Afghan lives have been directly impacted by AIL programs.

Afghanistan has the third highest infant mortality rate in the world (151.95 deaths/1000 births or 15% or births). AIL is proud that the infant mortality rate in our clinics is about 2%. During the first 6 months of 2009 AIL helped to deliver 136 babies, of which 133 were happy and healthy.

We’d like to share the report of a healthy birth from one of the midwives with you. “A patient by the name of Qamar came with her family at 11:00 am to our clinic. They were shouting for us to save her child immediately. She was carried to the delivery room where we saw that she had been bleeding. We began an IV with medicine to help ease her pain. Fortunately, she delivered the baby successfully. We resuscitated the newborn, and the newborn’s heart and breathing became normal and eventually he began to feed. We spoke to the mother about breast feeding, as well as other topics related to caring for her baby including vaccination. At the end of the visit, the mother became stable and thanked us.”

We’d also like to share the story of a woman who delivered a baby boy at an AIL clinic. “My name is Noor and I am 45 years old and have 7 children. I did not want any more children, but my husband insisted. When I was pregnant with my 8th child, I visited the clinic and they told me that the child was breech and that there was more risk of having a child because of my age. So I was really worried, but Allah helped me and with the help of the doctors I successfully delivered a cute baby boy. I am very thankful to AIL and the clinic.”

May 2009 Update

Alison Hendry — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:17:27 GMT

Recently, a very nervous man came to one of AIL’s clinics saying that his wife was dying. He said she was in her last month of her pregnancy. Her labor pains had started hours earlier, but she had not yet delivered the baby. The head of the clinic quickly sent an ambulance to bring her to the clinic. After she arrived she was taken to the midwives. They did a physical exam, and everything was normal, the baby was still alive. The woman told the midwives that her husband’s first wife had died during delivery. The midwives calmed the woman, telling her that she would deliver the baby safely. Soon, the woman delivered a healthy baby girl. The woman and man were very thankful for the well trained staff at AIL’s clinic.

2008 Year End Wrap Up

Alison Hendry — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:28:58 GMT

Afghanistan continues to have one of the world's highest infant and maternal mortality rates. Through its three rural health clinics in Herat and Kabul, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) provides family planning, ante and post natal care and safe delivery environments for women. In 2008, AIL provided reproductive health care services to 19,425 women. Furthermore, 59,229 women received education about health topics which included reproductive matters. Community Health Workers, serving villages near to the two Herat clinics, also provide reproductive health services including family planning advice to 53,443 women annually. In Afghanistan, this kind of information is only given when requested. Following is a story from one of the clinics, which illustrates how AIL clinic staff is helping women villagers on a day to day basis: : A midwife said: "Bigum was a returnee patient of the clinic. She came to the clinic for post natal care. After a month she asked about family planning methods. I gave her information and suggested Lynstrolol tablets because it doesn't decrease breast feeding. But she told me she has forgotten to take pills in the past. I suggested injections but she didn't like that so I explained about the IUD which she decided on. After a vaginal examination, I inserted an IUD and gave her health education to take care of it. After 15 days she came to the clinic for a follow up and she was happy with it. She told me that she has told other women about the advantages of the IUD." For the long term, AIL is also training nurse/midwife/health educators through its intensive course in Kabul. This course has been extended in length to 18 months and has between 45 and 65 students at any one time. In the last two years, two classes of nurse/midwife/health educators have graduated and graduates are now working in clinics and hospitals in Kabul Province. Following is a story clinic staff about Jamila, a graduate of the AIL nurse/midwife/health educator course, who is now working: "During Ramadan the staff left early, and only Jamila was left in the clinic. A woman came to the clinic, and she had a breach presentation delivery. Jamila performed the delivery perfectly. The personnel of the clinic were very happy with Jamila and impressed that when she was alone she could handle the case and they were happy and thankful for Jamila and for AIL, which trains and graduates such students." Thanks to all of you who, through your donations to this project, are helping to educate and reduce the maternal mortality rate of Afghan women!!

Stories to Share

Alison Hendry — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:58:23 GMT

We would like to share a report from one of AIL’s Outreach Vaccinators in Herat, Afghanistan.

I went to the Koshkak Village as part of the vaccine program and saw that a group of people had come together and were discussing the advantages getting vaccinated. I stayed there and listened to their ideas and questions about the vaccine program. One asked “What is the advantage of being vaccinated?” Another answered “Before the immunization program, our children suffered from polio, diphtheria and measles, but now the vaccine protects them from those dangerous diseases.” I praised them for their information about vaccines, in addition to what they already knew, I gave them health education and said that the BCG vaccine prevents your children from getting tuberculosis and this vaccine is injected into a baby’s arm just days after birth; we give them the Polio vaccine at that time too. I also told them about the TB clinic that AIL has, and described the symptoms of TB. I also explained to them that the DPT-Hep B vaccine protects their children from four dangerous diseases. Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Hepatitis B and that this vaccine is injected during the 6th, 10th and 14th weeks of a baby’s life. I explained that when we give the DPT-Hep B to their children, we also give the Polio vaccine. I said that we give two rounds of the Measles vaccine in the 9th and 18th months of life. I also let them know that in addition to the immunization program for children, that we give women the Tetanus vaccination. We give the OPV vaccine to children up to five years old. I saw in the faces of people that they were very happy about this health education and then I asked them to go home and bring their children with their vaccine cards so that I can see who I must vaccinate. They followed my instructions and the results of the vaccine program that day were excellent for me.

Snapshot (2008) of the Reproductive Health Project

Alison Hendry — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:47:21 GMT

Between January and June 2008, doctors in the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) clinics in Afghanistan have treated 9,347 women for reproductive health issues. Health education directly related to reproductive health issues (breast feeding, family planning, nutrition, vaccinations, and sexually transmitted diseases) is chosen by about 25% of the women who receive health education at the clinics. AIL has also held four-day reproductive health workshops for 247 women. So far in 2008 the AIL clinics have delivered 43 healthy babies.

The impact on those served is great. Following are just a few comments of women who have been helped:

Female doctor of the Imam Shish Nur Clinic said: “Habiba came to the clinic 9 months ago; and said that she had amenorrhea. I referred her to the clinic laboratory for a pregnancy test. The result of lab was positive. I congratulated her but she was upset because 25 years ago she got married and had been pregnant 17 times but unfortunately all of them miscarried. I did not think that this pregnancy would be full term as before. Again I referred her to complete all the tests and fortunately all the results were normal. She had a stepdaughter. I give hope to her that this time she would have a safe delivery and her own baby. I advised her to have monthly visits at the clinic. She was given Healthy Mom and Ferfolic. When she passed the seventh month of pregnancy she suffered from hypertension and pedal edema. I referred her to the laboratory for urine analysis test. The result of her examination was proteinurea; I took management of her. Weekly she has come to the clinic for follow up; her blood pressure was under control. A night she was going to have delivery and her family took her to the hospital for delivery. She gave birth 25 years of marriage. Two days later she came to the clinic with her baby; she was very happy and appreciated me and services of the Imam Shish Nur clinic. I was thrilled to see her with her baby. It was one of my best memories. She said I can't believe that after all this time I have a child.”

Midwives of the Jaghartan Clinic said: “One day when we arrived at the clinic a pregnant woman was waiting. She was in pain. Her name was Zia Gul and she had come for ANC to the clinic several times; her pain had started an hour ago, but when we examined her we could see she was near delivery. We got ready for delivery and the woman gave birth very easily. We waited for half an hour for the placenta; but it didn't come out normally. We got ready to take out the placenta by hand. We added Ocytocine injection in the serum because she was bleeding. We took out placenta by hand. Those in attendance said if we don't take her to the clinic; we must take her to the hospital for delivery of the placenta; and on the way she would lose a lot of blood and it would be harmful for her. The baby was male weighing 3.5Kg; and his condition was good. The baby was referred to the vaccine room; for BCG and OPV (0) vaccine. When she was discharged we gave the patient Healthy Mom liquid. The patient’s family was appreciative and very happy with the facilities of Jaghartan clinic and the expert staff.”

Snapshot (2008) of the Reproductive Health Project

Alison Hendry — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:26:13 GMT

The impact on those served is great. Following are just a few comments of women who have been helped:

Midwives of the Jaghartan Clinic said: “One day when we arrived at the clinic a pregnant woman was waiting. She was in pain. Her name was Zia Gul and she had come for ANC to the clinic several times; her pain had started an hour ago, but when we examined her we could see she was near delivery. We got ready for delivery and the woman gave birth very easily. We waited for half an hour for the placenta; but it didn't come out normally. We got ready to take out the placenta by hand. We added Ocytocine injection in the serum because she was bleeding. We took out placenta by hand. Those in attendance said if we don't take her to the clinic; we must take her to the hospital for delivery of the placenta; and on the way she would lose a lot of blood and it would be harmful for her. The baby was male weighing 3.5Kg; and his condition was good. The baby was referred to the vaccine room; for BCG and OPV (0) vaccine. When she was discharged we gave the patient Healthy Mom liquid. The patient’s family were appreciative and very happy with the facilities of Jaghartan clinic and the expert staff.”

Video from Afghanistan

Afghan Institute of Learning — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:22:22 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 21:14:40 GMT

Attachments:

AIL 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Update

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:12:51 GMT

Attachments:

Update (DOC)

Mid-Year Report

Afghan Institute of Learning — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 18:55:11 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)