WHO supports Afghanistan’s health system amid rising diseases and returnees
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in February it distributed medical supplies and screened individuals at border points for infectious diseases.
Category: Health
A female doctor was killed in Kunduz
Officials of the Kunduz Security Command announced that a female doctor was killed by an unknown person with a knife in the Imam Sahib District of the province.
Miscarriage in Afghanistan; from chromosomal disorders to family blame
A number of doctors in Kabul told Salam Watandar that chromosomal disorders are among the leading causes of miscarriage — an issue that doctors describe as a silent risk for pregnant women.
Mother-fetus blood incompatibility; infant deaths and lack of family awareness
Saniya, one of these women, said sadly,
“My first child looked healthy, but after a while, he died. Later, I found out that the reason was the incompatibility between my blood and my child’s blood. In later pregnancies, I had to stop breastfeeding and feed the baby with formula so that the baby’s condition would improve.”
Silent workplace victims; stories of youth suffering occupational depression
“I have been teaching for three years; the factor that has made me depressed is that I am not working in my own field, and this situation has exhausted me mentally.” she says.
Fasting during pregnancy and breastfeeding; a threat to mother and child health
Yasamin, 39 years old and in her eighth month of pregnancy, shares her experience of fasting without consulting a doctor. She says, “I am in the eighth month of my pregnancy and I am fasting. I haven’t visited a doctor so far, but I continue to fast regularly. During the day, I feel extremely hungry and thirsty—my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. Since I started fasting, I have noticed that the movements of my baby in the womb have decreased and are not as before.”
Childbirth in pain and humiliation
She said, “They physically assault women who scream even a little. They don’t pay attention. They don’t even let the patient’s pain subside. I was afraid of what kind of hospital this is.”
‘No child with disabilities will be deprived of education’ – TVET-A
“We are working to ensure that no child with disabilities in Afghanistan is deprived of education. We strongly encourage families to register their children at our special education centers,” he added.
Unable to breastfeed; a lasting emotional wound for mothers
She said, “My daughter is three months old. I am struggling to raise her on formula and fresh milk. I have become mentally disturbed. I feel angry most of the time, and it has become very difficult for me to care for my daughter. I keep telling myself that I will not have another child. Raising a baby without breast milk is very hard—especially when she cries.”
Nearly 500 doctors including 90 obstetrics and gynecologists, receive certificates
Officials from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health say nearly 500 doctors from 34 provinces have received specialist certificates after completing advanced medical training in various fields. The graduation ceremony was held on Tuesday (Feb. 18) in Kabul, where close to 90 of the graduates were women specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
Lack of Hydrocephalus care in Takhar worries pregnant women
Zarmina, from ‘Qalbaras’ village, shares her experience: “In my twentieth week of pregnancy, during an ultrasound, the doctor said, ‘There is fluid in your baby’s head. It may be hydrocephalus.’ I did more tests, but there weren’t enough facilities in Takhar. I had to travel to another province. The doctor told me, ‘You must stay under observation. Your baby may need surgery, and you might also need an operation.’ I’m scared, but I’m continuing my pregnancy and leaving the rest to fate.”
Women in Afghanistan face barriers to maternal healthcare
“My anemia became very severe; I had no strength to move. I received blood once or twice. It is because of poverty that I cannot go to the doctor. There were even days when we could not find bread to eat, and I spent the day drinking only water,” she said.
