Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Direct Relief's programme activities update May 2003

Recipient: Afghan Institute for Learning
Shipment Number: 3364
Shipment Date: 5/1/2003
Value: $87,766
Staffed and operated by Afghan women, Afghan Institute for Learning (AIL) ran clandestine home schools for girls under the Taliban regime and is now focusing on maternal and child health care at clinics in three Afghan cities with a fourth to open soon. Each clinic sees approximately 700 women and children a month and is staffed by all female Afghan medical providers. In addition, AIL is coordinating a midwife training program with approximately 50 midwives enrolled in each six month training session. Other activities of AIL include income generating projects, teacher training, and a preschool.

Direct Relief's fourth shipment to AIL included baby scales, a pulse oximeter, antibiotics, analgesics, sutures, needles and syringes, prenatal vitamins, and midwife kits complete with stethoscope, blood pressure unit, scissors, gauze, thermometers, alcohol, soap, and gloves for each graduate of the training program.