Malaria; a threat to the health of pregnant women and their fetuses
A number of pregnant women in Ghor say they have contracted malaria, which has raised their concerns about the possible risks the disease may pose to the health of their fetuses.
Category: Health
Chronic sleep deprivation; a threat to women’s health
Chronic sleep deprivation is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep more than three nights a week for several months. It can cause chronic fatigue, reduced concentration and cognitive performance, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of some mental health problems. Common causes include stress, disruptions to the sleep cycle, and poor sleep hygiene.
Misconceptions about breastfeeding; hidden risks to infants’ health
A number of obstetricians and gynecologists say that improper breastfeeding practices and misconceptions about the diets of breastfeeding mothers can put infants’ health at risk. According to them, some families still hold beliefs about breastfeeding mothers’ diets, causing women to avoid eating foods that are beneficial to them or rely on traditional remedies to treat illnesses. In some cases, these issues can reduce the amount of breast milk mothers produce and lead to nutritional problems for infants.
A number of women in Sar-e-Pol say economic difficulties delay their treatment
A number of women in Sar-e-Pol say that economic difficulties and certain family problems sometimes delay their visits to health centers and their treatment. Social and health experts emphasize that paying attention to the health of all family members and seeking timely medical care can help prevent illnesses from worsening and contribute to maintaining family health.
Maternal mortality in Afghanistan; when poverty and limited healthcare access put mothers’ lives at risk
Postpartum bleeding, high blood pressure, and limited access to healthcare services are among the most important causes of maternal deaths in Afghanistan. This finding is based on interviews with the families of victims, doctors, international organizations, and the Ministry of Public Health. In this report, Salam Watandar interviewed 15 families, international organizations, doctors, and the Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate.
Energy drinks pose serious health risks to women and children, doctors warn
A number of medical specialists, pointing to the harmful effects of energy drinks, warn that their consumption poses serious health risks to individuals, particularly women and children.
Dehydration during pregnancy threatens the health of mothers and fetuses
Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Daikundi warn that dehydration in mothers during pregnancy reduces blood flow and oxygen transfer to the fetus and increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, slowed fetal growth, urinary infections, severe constipation, and low blood pressure.
Blood infection during pregnancy; a silent threat to mothers and fetuses
Blood infection during pregnancy is a serious health condition that can threaten the lives of both the mother and the fetus. It occurs when microbes enter the bloodstream, causing a severe immune response. A number of women in Baghlan say they have faced serious challenges in accessing healthcare services.
The impact of media health programs on women’s health awareness
Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 35 women across 10 provinces of Afghanistan (Kapisa, Badakhshan, Kabul, Daikundi, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Faryab, Ghor, Kunduz, and Badghis) show that media health programs increase women’s awareness of health issues and improve their health-related behaviors. According to the findings, all of the women interviewed say that the media are effective in improving their health awareness.
Nearly 10,000 people now have access to safe water in Nuristan
The Afghanistan office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced that it has provided access to safe water for nearly 10,000 people in the country.
Limited access to healthcare centers forces women into home births
A number of women in Samangan say that economic hardship, the long distance to healthcare centers, inadequate facilities, and limited access to healthcare services have left many women with no option but to give birth at home.
Behind child addiction; when friends lead children to drugs and crime
Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 41 children and adolescents under the age of 18 (aged 13–17) who are addicted to drugs show that these children were introduced to drugs and became addicted through their friends and acquaintances.
