In higher-income countries, one doesn’t hear the term “midwife” very often. It can evoke images of a bygone era, before intricate health systems with complex technology became accessible for many. But in other parts of the world, midwives can still make the difference between mothers and newborn babies thriving—or dying. Every year, an estimated 300,000 …
“I considered myself different from many other Afghan refugees here. I thought I was more broad-minded.” A member of International Medical Corps’ gender support group in Afghan refugee village Koga in Pakistan, Mr. Mir Afzal says he has learned a lot from awareness sessions on gender-based violence provided by the organization in the village. “We …
When the ground violently shook during the 7.5-magnitude earthquake in the remote Charmango Qala village in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Mr. Fazal–Ur-Rehman knew immediately what to do. During the shaking, he ran out from his home to avoid being hit by falling debris. He watched as many of the houses around him crumbled, trapping his neighbors …
International Medical Corps is rapidly scaling up response efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan to help survivors of the devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck on October 26 in northern Afghanistan. “Many of the affected areas are high up in the Hindu Kush, and winter is already setting in. Many survivors will have to cope with …
A powerful earthquake struck Badakshan Province in Afghanistan today and also affected a large area of Pakistan. According to the US Geological Survey, the magnitude 7.5 quake struck at 1:39 pm local time and was 121 miles (196 km) deep. Initial media reports indicate at least 177 people have been killed in Pakistan, with the …
Fatima, a young woman from rural Afghanistan, was passionate about training as a midwife. In a country which suffers from one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world – 1,600 of every 100,000 Afghan mothers die during birth or because of related complications – having a skilled birth attendant or midwife in your …
When an emergency occurs in the remote village of Kandi in eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, a community member will fire a single gunshot into the air as a signal to call for help. It was early morning – before 7 a.m. – when Mr. Ziauddin, a Community Response Team leader for the district, heard a …
