Wazakhwa district in Paktika province is one of the most remote areas of Afghanistan, where communities continue to face persistent barriers to accessing basic services. Decades of inadequate infrastructure, including poor road conditions and limited transportation options, coupled with widespread poverty, have significantly hindered people’s ability to reach essential healthcare facilities. As a result, many families are left without timely medical attention, particularly in emergencies. Women and children bear the greatest burden of these challenges, as restricted access to healthcare services often leads to preventable illnesses, pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications, and elevated rates of maternal and child mortality.
International Medical Corps, with funding from the European Union and in partnership with Première Urgence Internationale, has established and operationalised a fully equipped health sub-centre (HSC) in Sko village in Wazakhwa district. This facility serves as a vital healthcare hub for the surrounding communities, bringing much-needed services closer to those who need them.
Hosay* was a 35-year-old pregnant woman who lived in a remote part of Sko village. Her previous pregnancy was marked by serious complications. She developed severe pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening condition characterised by high blood pressure that poses significant risks to both mother and child if left untreated. At the time, the lack of nearby healthcare facilities left her with no option but to undertake a difficult and costly journey of nearly 40 kilometres to Nawah district in neighbouring Ghazni province to seek medical care and safe delivery services. The arduous journey highlights the immense challenges faced by women in remote communities who lack access to timely and adequate maternal healthcare.
International Medical Corps significantly improved Hosay’s situation by bringing essential healthcare services closer to her community. In the past, due to her family’s poor economic condition and the absence of nearby health facilities, she was unable to access timely care during her pregnancies and often received medical attention only when her condition became critical, such as during episodes of high blood pressure or loss of consciousness.
This lack of access caused her considerable stress, especially given the risks associated with her pregnancy. However, with the establishment of the International Medical Corps-supported HSC in her area, her circumstances have changed dramatically. She can now easily visit the facility without worrying about transportation challenges or costs, regularly consult with healthcare providers, and receive appropriate medical advice and treatment. The availability of female healthcare staff, including a midwife, a nutrition counsellor, and a psychosocial counsellor, has also made it more comfortable and culturally appropriate for her to seek care.
During her recent pregnancy, she attended five antenatal care visits at the HSC, receiving routine check-ups, counselling and medical guidance from healthcare staff. She later delivered her baby safely at the health facility and received two postnatal care visits. Her five-month-old baby has received all routine vaccinations and attended five growth monitoring and promotion sessions. Together, these services ensured continuous maternal and child healthcare from pregnancy through early childhood.
“Since International Medical Corps’ health facility was established near our community, I can now easily access healthcare services without worrying about transportation costs or long-distance travel,” said Hosay. “I regularly visit the clinic, where I am able to discuss my health concerns with healthcare staff and receive appropriate medical advice and treatment.”
The establishment of the Sko HSC has brought transformative change to remote communities in Wazakhwa district. By significantly improving access to essential healthcare services, the facility has reduced the need for long and often dangerous journeys to distant health centres. Families can now receive timely and quality care within their own community.
By providing comprehensive integrated health services, including maternal and child healthcare, nutrition support, immunisation, and mental health and psychosocial services, the health facility is helping to reduce preventable health risks, including mortalities and morbidities, and improve overall health outcomes within the community. It has also contributed to increased trust in healthcare systems and encouraged more families to seek care early.
This intervention highlights the critical importance of investing in accessible, community-based healthcare services. “I sincerely thank International Medical Corps for establishing this health facility in our area,” said Hosay, further expressing her gratitude. “It has brought lifesaving services closer to our community and is playing a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of mothers and children.”
*Pseudonym
