Mazar-i-Sharif city (one of only 5 major cities in the country) is located in northern Afghanistan. The IAM has an MCH teaching project that reaches out to the neighborhoods surrounding the city, teaching illiterate and literate women about basic health practices that can save their children’s and their own lives. The government of Afghanistan has adopted a major reform of the health care in the country called the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) to reach even the most remote regions. The MCHM is a part of this system, and works under two other NGOs who have responsibility for the health care in the Balkh province, teaching female Community Health Workers (CHWs).
Background
Through the initiatives of the Mazar team nurses in 1994, the IAM decided to expand Maternal Child Health services, and in 1995 the MCH~Mazar project was started with a vision to reach into the communities on the outskirts of Mazar.
From its early days, the project emphasised the role of the Community Health Workers (CHW) to decrease dependence upon physicians and medication. MCH~Mazar integrated development activities where-ever possible. These activities included literacy, skills development, small loan programme, and other requested services. The Afghan staff continue to be trained on-site by their co-workers, and occasionally travel to India for training at the Jamkhed centre..
Current Activites
In 2005, the MCH~Mazar project worked in 4 communities and graduated 54 CHWs.
While basic health teaching is at the core of the project, establishment of Women’s Health Councils (WHCs) in most communities meant that other needs were also addressed. WHCs in 2 communities meet monthly to discuss health/life concerns. The community leaders from 2 communities have expressed gratitude for the faithfulness of the work done by MCH and the new CHWs. The MCHM co-workers monitor the work of the new CHWs and give refresher training. Two literacy courses are continuing, 120 loans have been distributed and collected, and coordination with Habitat for Humanity for housing needs has continued.
Future Plans
As IAM reviewed the needs of the country of Afghanistan, and the strengths of the IAM, it has been decided to close this well-functioning project. There are now many more services available for districts close to major cities, and the IAM has determined to try to reach into the more remote areas that are surrounding the smaller cities, and are in the more mountainous regions of the country. It has been a privilege to work so closely with the Afghan people in this long-running project.
This decision has been hard particularly because of the excellent training done by our very competent Afghan staff. Several of the women have faithfully worked to improve the health of families in communities with mostly illiterate women. Some of these co-workers have worked with IAM for over 12 years, and we are seeking new opportunities for them. It is hoped that the skills, knowledge, and ‘family’ atmosphere that they learned and contributed to in IAM will go with them wherever they go.
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