Nutrition, Afghanistan
Our Maternal and Child Nutrition and Health project continues to play a strategic and transformative role in the lives of women, children, and the broader community by establishing dependable, quality healthcare services in underserved “white areas” of the city—locations where no other public health services exist. Through our two operational health centers, thousands of women and children now have daily access to maternal care, child health services, nutrition screening, and essential, often lifesaving treatment. This consistent availability of care has not only reduced preventable illnesses but has also fostered stronger health-seeking behaviors, increased early consultation, and built deep community trust in the system.
As part of an expansion of our clinic activities, we recently hired a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) counsellor because we are aware that mothers and children face many anxieties and challenges, and we want to be able to support them emotionally, not just physically.
For the women, we make the most of the time while women and children are waiting in line at the clinic to see the doctor, midwife, nutrition nurse, etc., by providing different training sessions for clients. Recently our MHPSS health education session was conducted by the MHPSS counsellor at the clinic on the topic of anxiety and financial concerns. Most of the participants were returned migrants from Iran and Pakistan who expressed significant worries about their current and future financial situations.
For the children, the counsellor arranges special times for them. A group meeting for children is held every Saturday at 9:00 AM. These children have learning difficulties and poor life skills as a result of domestic violence. Here, we teach them important life skills and provide them with support and encouragement.
The MHPSS counsellor said, “When I took their picture, their smiles were genuine. I felt very proud and happy to see that our services, together with your support, have had a positive impact on their lives.”
Perseverance in Health
Two months later, Serah was improving from the malnutrition.
Proper Nutrition For Children
Malnutrition continues to increase across Afghanistan. The United Nations now reports 3.2 million children in Afghanistan face acute malnutrition. We expect this to worsen over the winter as the bitter cold forces many families to divert part of their funds towards heating instead of food.
A Second Chance for a Healthy Pregnancy
Our Maternal and Child Nutrition and Health Project is improving health practices around birth and childcare amongst the vulnerable population of Afghanistan.
A young mother shares:
“I have been married for three years.
Maternal and Child Nutrition and Health
In Afghanistan we have had the privilege of running a health programme in a number of communities where we train men and women on essential elements of nutrition and health during pregnancy and in the early formative years of a child’s life.
Empowering Mothers Through Breastfeeding Education
In our Maternal and Child Nutrition and Health Project in Afghanistan it’s amazing to see how simple lessons — and someone walking alongside young mothers — can make a difference,
Success Story
Soon Mohammed was back to a normal weight and Farzana was delighted to see her son playing again, standing and moving, and having an appetite.
I Am Stronger
Now we eat vegetables at every meal, I am stronger, I can do my housework and take care of my children and a sick member of our family.
Health and Nutrition Promoters
Operation Mercy in Afghanistan runs a program training women in the community to become health and nutrition promoters. This program empowers women to voluntarily serve their communities,
Supporting Mothers and Children Beyond Physical Health
Our Maternal and Child Nutrition and Health project continues to play a strategic and transformative role in the lives of women, children, and the broader community by establishing dependable,