Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan. ©WHOAyesha, 29, is a midwife in a rural health facility in Afghanistan. She graduated from the provincial midwifery school supported by the government’s Sehatmandi programme, which provides essential primary care services including for maternal, newborn and child health.“I was born in a very remote district where health facilities were not available.
I witnessed many pregnant mothers dying because there was no health care facility at my village or on the way to hospitals, located more than 50 km away.
I decided to become a midwife and serve the women and children in the villages. I love my job and attend numerous institutional deliveries, and have contributed to the reduction of maternal mortality,” said Ayesha.However, these vital health services that save the lives of many in the community have come under severe threat.
The Sehatmandi programme is the backbone of Afghanistan’s health system, providing care for millions of people through 2 331 health facilities.