Afghanistan: Every minute counts: Mobile Health Teams save lives in remote villages

Country: Afghanistan Source: United Nations Population Fund Kandahar, Afghanistan – In the remote villages of Maroof District, access to health services is extremely limited. Poor roads, long distances to hospitals, and a lack of nearby health centers mean that pregnant women often face childbirth at home without skilled assistance. For many, this reality brings serious risks, prolonged labor, severe bleeding, infections, or even the loss of mother and child. For Shakeela, a 28-year-old mother of two, these risks felt alarmingly close during her latest pregnancy. “I know women who faced life-threatening problems during childbirth. I was very worried, ” she recalled. Living far from proper medical facilities, she had no certainty that help would be available when she needed it most. Fortunately, on the final day of her pregnancy, the UNFPA-supported Mobile Health Team (MHT) visited Sheikhzai village. Among them was Halima, a skilled midwife, who conducted Shakeela’s antenatal check-up. “I found that her delivery was near, ” Halima explains. “I advised her to stay close to the health post, just in case. ” When labour began, Halima and the team were ready. Using clean and standardized equipment, she safely guided Shakeela through a normal delivery. She provided immediate postpartum care, monitored the mother, kept the newborn warm, ensured proper cord care, and helped the baby begin breastfeeding right away. Halima’s care went beyond the delivery room. She offered Shakeela guidance on nutrition, hygiene, and warning signs, while also training her family to support her recovery and care for the newborn. This practical knowledge empowered them with confidence and skills that will serve them for years to come. “Helping Shakeela deliver safely was a proud moment, ” Halima says. “In remote areas like this, our support can mean the difference between life and death. ” For Shakeela and her family, Halima’s timely intervention was life-changing. “We are deeply grateful for the care, attention, and advice we received. It went beyond our expectations. Now we feel confident, empowered, and prepared. ” Shakeela shared. The work of Halima and the MHT highlights the vital role of mobile health services for women in hard-to-reach areas. Each safe birth is not just a medical success; it is a symbol of hope, dignity, and security for families living with uncertainty. Thanks to the support of the Government of Spain and the dedication of implementing partners in the field, women in Maroof district now have a lifeline, skilled care that brings safety, hope, and a brighter future to the most remote communities.

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