Location: Various
Web Site: http://www.akdn.org/afghanistan
In early 2004, Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), one of the world’s largest not-for-profit healthcare systems and medical arm of the Aga Khan Development Network, took over the operations of the Bamyan Provincial Hospital, which is the only in-patient medical facility serving roughly half a million people. Soon after, Direct Relief began to support AKHS as it rehabilitated the Bamyan Provincial Hospital and raise the standards of care throughout the province. Direct Relief sent medical equipment to outfit a new 50-bed ward, as well as key medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to turn the hospital into a functioning health care facility. Since 2004 Direct Relief has provided the Bamyan Provincial Hospital with over $1 million (wholesale) in medicines, medical supplies, and equipment.
In Bamyan, AKHS currently runs 17 basic health centers, five comprehensive health centers, and one provincial hospital. AKHS has strategically focused its efforts to reach vulnerable groups, especially young mothers and children. It strives to provide effective, low-cost interventions such as immunizations, prenatal care, aseptic deliveries, and oral rehydration therapy for people suffering from diarrheal diseases. Sharing the same maternal-and-child health focus, Direct Relief has provided specially designed midwife kits to AKHS to equip trained midwives who simply lack the tools to perform their jobs.
Direct Relief now supports the entire network of Aga Khan Health centers throughout Afghanistan.