The Opportunities for Mother and Infant Development (OMID) initiative addresses barriers to safe deliveries through a community-based approach in Afghanistan, where one out of every nine women dies from pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications, one of the most severe maternal mortality ratios in the world. By promoting community support groups, CARE encourages pregnant women and their families to plan for births and to take prompt action when emergencies arise.
To serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from our global diversity, resources and experience, we promote innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility. We facilitate lasting change by strengthening capacity for self-help; providing economic opportunity; delivering relief in emergencies; influencing policy decisions at all levels; addressing discrimination in all its forms.
CARE launched the project in 2005 in two districts in Kabul and, based on early successes, expanded to two additional districts in 2008. Currently, the project covers 48 urban communities and targets 13,038 women of reproductive age. Mindful of the cultural context, the project team also specifically reaches out to mothers-in-law, husbands, and influential community members.
To date, the results have been impressive: the project has helped increase hospital deliveries by 20 percent and reduce neonatal mortality by 21 percent. CARE would like to expand the program into other urban and rural communities.
