Community Health
Fatima lost her husband, Omar, three years ago. After the birth of her second child, she suffered from postpartum complications that left her with severe back pain and limited mobility. For 14 years, she struggled with chronic pain and depression, worsened by her reduced finances following Omar’s death. She lives in one of Albania’s poorest municipalities, where back pain after childbirth is seen as normal and often goes untreated.
In her community, a poor diet and lack of proper healthcare make these problems worse. Women rarely learn how to strengthen their core and back muscles, and social norms discourage them from talking about their pain. Fatima was led to believe that this pain was simply a fact of life.
Unbeknownst to her, a physical therapy clinic called Operation Mercy operated in the northside neighborhood—right next to the city’s busiest pathology lab. The clinic aimed to help those who were often overlooked. A physical therapist at the center challenged the idea that postpartum pain was inevitable by hosting discussions in Albanian and teaching simple exercises. Gradually, women began to open up and learn that their pain did not have to be permanent.
After hearing a recommendation from her cousin, Fatima visited the Hope & Health Centre. There, she received a warm welcome, a thorough check-up by experienced physiotherapists, a personalized exercise program, and medicinal massage. Like many others, Fatima experienced less pain and improved mobility. Grateful for the care, she blessed the staff, saying, “May God give you all good health!”
Now, Fatima is enjoying life again. She is even considering joining the STEP program to build confidence and learn new skills. Her journey reflects the core goals of the Hope & Health project: improved spinal health, increased mobility, and better overall well-being for local women.
Learning and Teaching
… she will pass this information on as she cares for pregnant and lactating women.
Clean Drinking Water
In November 2023 Operation Mercy in Afghanistan started building a solar water supply network in a district in Kabul. We were joined at the opening ceremony by local officials and members of the community.
Perseverance in Health
Two months later, Serah was improving from the malnutrition.
Midwives in the Mountains: Education and Coaching for Remote Villages
The three staff workers assigned each of the participants to a coach. They were then given materials and taught how to share what they had learned with others.
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.
You have healed me with your exercises!
“When I come here all my worries go away.” Exercises and social support are making a difference in women’s lives.
Overcoming Maternal Health Misconceptions
Educating disadvantaged communities about their health does not only prevent illnesses and improve their wellbeing, but it can also save lives.
Heart Surgery Saves Grandfather
In our Operation Mercy Community Health clinics in Jordan, we screen patients who need diagnostic tests and specialist follow up.
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.
WaSH Lessons Save Lives
In one of the villages in the outskirts of Kabul, where Operation Mercy has a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) program, men’s groups eagerly receive their lessons.
Quality Health Videos
All of these health conditions have multiple underlying causes, but poor dietary habits are high among the risk factors.
Access to Clean Water
The WASH project has taught us many valuable things, one of which being the necessity of having access to clean water, which can help us avoid many diseases.
Everyone Needs To Know They Are Not Invisible
The third wave of Covid brought a shaking up in the community in the capital of North Macedonia. One way our Operation Mercy team made a difference was by coming alongside the medical vaccination personnel in practical ways.
A New Normal
Fatima lost her husband, Omar, three years ago. After the birth of her second child, she suffered from postpartum complications that left her with severe back pain and limited mobility.
Building a solar water supply network
“Most of the families in this village lack access to clean drinking water, and it is extremely difficult for our women and children to get water from a distance.”
The Miracle of Life
Maftuna knew about the book through one of Operation Mercy’s community health trainers. She herself went through Operation Mercy’s general health and pregnancy lessons, as the trainers do not only work with the local women in the village but also the wives of Operation Mercy staff.
Refugee Health Response
In our Community Health Project in Jordan, we are seeing lives transformed through health screening and education. We work in partnership with local organizations, medical professionals,
Health is Everyone’s Responsibility
Health is everyone’s responsibility, and Bibi grew in her health knowledge and confidence through our training and put it into practice for the good of her community.
Discovering the Greatest Needs
Staff from our partner organization are reaching out to a Roma community in the south of Kyrgyzstan.
A Doula’s Impact
Mahabat had infused that young woman with encouragement and confidence that she could do it, and together they did!