HPIC at Work

An Afghan woman finds hope

It's not easy being a woman in Afghanistan. It's even harder being a mother, or becoming one.

The women's health care situation in the country is disheartening. Far too many women die giving birth. One out of six babies does not survive childbirth. One out of four children does not see a fifth birthday. The Word Bank reports, "Pre-natal care, maternal health care facilities, and trained health personnel are virtually non-existent in large parts of the country, contributing to a very high percentage of preventable maternal and child deaths."

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that according to cultural principles, women are to be seen and treated only by female physicians. In a country where, until recently, girls were not permitted to go to school, it is even harder for women to access proper care.

Gul Ghoti was in pain and she was afraid when she showed up at CURE Hospital in Kabul. She had gone into labour in the early stages of pregnancy so her husband took her to a neighbourhood hospital for care. The doctors informed her that she would need surgery, perhaps a hysterectomy, because her miscarriage was not complete.

Mr. Ghoti was concerned for his wife and the risks involved in surgery. He had heard about CURE Hospital and its quality of care, so he and his wife left the local hospital and went over to the CURE Hospital.

When Gul was admitted to CURE, the Ob/Gyn team immediately started her on medicine donated by HPIC to help complete the miscarriage naturally. There was no need for surgery. Gul and her husband were truly grateful to have avoided surgery and to be able to have other children one day.

After a restful night, CURE doctors conducted an ultrasound and exam and found the intervention successful with no complications. Gul was discharged with multivitamins, which were also provided by HPIC. She returned a week later and was strong, healthy and extremely grateful for the care she had received.

HPIC has sent three shipments of medicine and medical supplies to CURE International Hospital since 2007, essential to the treatment and healing of tens of thousands of Afghans like Gul.

According to a hospital administrator at CURE, few Afghan health clinics provide access to free medicine and many have extremely limited supply. Afghans must attempt to purchase their own medicine and supplies in the general markets, where there is little guarantee of quality. In a country where 53 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, few people could afford the medicine they need, even if it were available.

For Gul Ghoti and her husband, free medicine from Canada has meant the gift of health, and the hope of a family.