Anabah Surgical and Paediatric Centre

 EMERGENCY’s first medical facility in Afghanistan was in Anabah.

Background

Over the past forty years Afghanistan has been ravaged by conflict, causing high numbers of civilian casualties; many of whom are killed or injured by explosive devices and landmines. Despite increasing clearance activities, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most heavily land-mined nations. Many of the southern and central provinces experience fighting and violence on a daily basis. The resulting instability has forced many to abandon their livelihoods and flee, in search of safety.

Recent estimates indicate that over 9 million people in the country have limited or no access to healthcare services. The services that do exist are often inadequately equipped to meet the needs of the population. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there are only two doctors; five nurses and midwives; and less than one pharmacist per 10,000 inhabitants.

Increasing levels of violence against medical facilities is also a major concern. In 2016 alone, 119 such incidents were recorded. These attacks have long-term repercussions which extend far beyond their immediate aftermath. Attacks on medical facilities affect not only medical personnel and infrastructure, but also those people who are reliant upon them for essential healthcare. It is within this context that EMERGENCY operates various services throughout the country.

An ambulance service connects the Surgical and Paediatric Centre in Anabah to a network of First Aid Posts (FAPs) and Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), opened by EMERGENCY in the Panjshir Valley and in the neighbouring provinces of Kapisa, Parwan, Badakhshan, and on the Salang Pass. The staff at these clinics stabilise patients and, if required, arrange onward transportation to Anabah for further treatment. This wider network of services ensures access to emergency care for those in more isolated regions; cut off for much of the year by snow and a lack of decent road infrastructure.

The hospital is a major training centre for local medical staff, with well-established specialisation programmes. Using classroom lessons and on-the-job training, the courses last three years, during which international staff train local doctors to an excellent standard. Our hospital in Anabah is formally recognised as a centre for specialist training in general surgery, gynaecology, obstetrics, and paediatrics.

For more information

Project Sheet: EMERGENCY Medical-Surgical Centre in Anabah, Afghanistan

EMERGENCY’s Surgical and Paediatric Centre in Anabah is funded by the European Union