×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

Sakena Yacoobi Earns Champion for Women’s Health Award

News

Direct Relief presented Sakena Yacoobi, founder and executive director of the Afghan Institute of Learning, with the 2014 Champion for Women’s Health Award for her leadership and bravery in helping women in both Afghanistan and Pakistan access much-needed health care, despite many challenges.

“This, for me, is like a Nobel Peace Prize,” said Sakena graciously as she received the award at a reception held  Friday night at the Bacara Resort & Spa.

The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) is an Afghan women-led nongovernmental organization founded in 1995 to provide teacher training to Afghan women, education for boys and girls, and health education to women and children.

Under Sakena’s leadership, AIL has established itself as a groundbreaking, visionary organization which works at the grassroots level and empowers women and communities to find ways to bring education and health services to rural and poor urban girls, women, and other disenfranchised Afghans.

“In our time, there are very few people who have done so much for as many people as she has,” said Direct Relief President and CEO, Thomas Tighe, of Sakena’s accomplishments.

Since 2005, Direct Relief, AIL, Abbott, and Abbott Fund have worked together to support education and health services for women and children in Afghanistan.

During this time, Abbott has contributed more than $4.5 million worth of medicines and nutritional products and Abbott Fund has awarded $1.2 million in cash grants, which has enabled more than 1.5 million women and children to receive health education and services at AIL clinics. 

“Individually, we could not accomplish what we have,” Sakena said of the collaboration.

With financial support from Abbott Fund, Direct Relief has been able to help AIL develop programs that support the health and well-being of disenfranchised Afghan women by providing them with access to nutrition, health education, and quality medical services.

“Direct Relief is like my second family,” said Sakena while visiting headquarters on Friday.

Today, AIL operates three maternal and child health clinics and one basic health clinic in rural Afghanistan: two in Herat and two in Kabul.  AIL also supports clinics at two orphanages in Herat and provides mobile clinic support.

AIL employs Afghan women who are aware and sensitive to the challenges faced by their peers and have developed successful programs and activities to address these barriers and engage women in the community.

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.