Because Afghanistan has been afflicted with war and conflict for decades, many Afghans see a need for improvement in health and the overall quality of life. Two groups that have been most in need of extra help are Afghan women and children, who face special survival challenges due to poverty. Ehsan Bayat, through his foundation, has taken the lead in improving the lives of these women and children through better healthcare.
What Challenges Do Afghans Face?
UN estimates have found that as many as 25 percent of children expected to die before they reach age five. One of the most sobering facts is that a majority of these causes of death are preventable, including illnesses that can be prevented with vaccines, respiratory infections, and diarrhea. These children die because access to healthcare may involve traveling hundreds of miles.
Maternity Care is Essential
In an area where there is limited healthcare, women need access to safe options for having their children. Several maternity hospitals are currently under construction, along with existing facilities to help create safer births. These hospitals allow doctors to do sonograms where they can monitor fetal development. The hospitals also help ensure the well-being of both mothers and babies during pregnancy, as well as educate mothers on child health.
What Are the Maternity Wards Like?
The maternity wards in these newer hospitals have advanced equipment and technology. With access to this care, mothers are more likely to survive childbirth and have healthy children. Maternity wards have surgical areas to allow for C-sections and other procedures to assist at birth. They also have full recovery rooms that ensure that the mothers recover well after birth.
Helping Children Hear
Some Afghan children are born deaf, and their parents need resources to help their children receive proper care. Recent initiatives have allowed as many as 600 children at a time to receive hearing aids. Many children who hear common sounds for the first time are not only overjoyed but develop an even greater curiosity in the world around them. Because these children have a greater ability to participate in family activities, but also to receive an education. Health initiatives that help hearing-impaired children open many doors for them and their families.
Critical Care Availability Ensures Survival
Intensive and cardiac care units are a staple at Western hospitals, and providing access to these facilities helps give children a higher standard of treatment. Monitoring systems help the nursing staff and doctors keep a closer watch on children while recovering. Because these medical facilities have updated equipment, there are more medical procedures that staff can perform without requiring patients to travel long distances.
With the many opportunities for healthcare in Afghanistan increasing, maternal and child survival rates will continue improving. With an increased chance of survival, more children will get an education and enjoy better lives. All of the country’s families will benefit from knowing that their children will have the opportunity to grow up healthy, with healthy mothers.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate