By Elaine Maloy | Public Health Officer
Maternal mortality and morbidity remain a critical area of concern in Afghanistan. Since the last three years, women’s health and wellbeing have continued to be marginalized and oppressed upon huge departure of the people from Afghanistan as well as the ban on women’s employment and education. Despite vast assurances of various media that women will still be permitted to work in healthcare roles, the reality on the ground and in local communities tells a different story.
For midwives, many have faced uncertainty, with salaried positions being disbanded and employment opportunities drastically reduced. Some midwives have been forced to continue their work in a voluntary capacity, driven by their commitment to ensuring that women, especially the most vulnerable, maintain access to essential primary care. Their dedication has been critical in filling the gaps left by systemic restrictions, and their efforts have provided a vital lifeline to women in need.
Over the past 12 months, we have been limited in offering professional training for midwives due to various reasons. Nevertheless, recognizing the urgent need for accessible, localized healthcare services, AfD has adapted a new approach. We responded by establishing an inpatient midwife unit within our Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC). With the support of generous donors, we successfully recruited two midwives and a nurse to deliver 24-hour midwifery services under the supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN). This service officially began on July 1st.
Since its launch, the midwifery unit has provided care to over 150 women, offering antenatal and postnatal consultations, and has facilitated the safe delivery of six babies. Funding from GlobalGiving has been instrumental in setting up the unit, purchasing midwifery equipment, and providing delivery packs, ensuring safe deliveries was also covered by additional external donors.
Looking ahead, the success of this unit highlights the ongoing need for further investment in maternal health services, especially as women of Afghanistan continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality care. With sustained support, we hope to expand our services and continue to play a crucial role in improving maternal outcomes in one of the most challenging environments in the world.
By Zuhra Shafiq | Program Director
By Cate Borrelli | Communications Officer
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