Afghan women receiving better medical care thanks to coalition investment

AFGHANISTAN

05.22.2017

Story by Lt.j.g. Egdanis Torres Sierra 

Resolute Support Headquarters

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 22, 2017) — Afghan mothers bringing new lives to their nation have access to better medical care thanks to coalition investment at the Kabul Women’s Hospital.

The medical facility, located in a city of 4 million people, delivers around 60 babies a day.

“We have received 210 beds and cabinets, some of them made here in Afghanistan. We also have received new medical equipment such as operating tables, X-ray and ultrasound machines. This help translates into better medical service to our females and better diagnosis capabilities for proper care for childbirth,” said Sidqa Abudllah Adeeb-Rabia Balkhi, hospital director.

General John Nicholson, Resolute Support commander, toured the medical facility to oversee the improvement plan that began in December. He was also accompanied by Mohammed Masoom Stanekzai, chief of National Directorate of Security, and Hugo Llorens, chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

Standing in one of the medical rooms, Nicholson spoke to nurses, medical staff and hospital managers expressing the importance of women in peace building and in strengthening the future of Afghanistan.

“Women and the next generation are so important in peace building. You all demonstrate the future of reconciliation and security. We spend a lot of time, as Soldiers, fighting for security – we're touched, we're heartened to see you use the time and space we're trying to provide to make a better future,” Nicholson expressed. “It is good to see that our work and sacrifice goes into helping the next generation of Afghans.”

Resolute Support began executing an ongoing civil affairs projects at the hospital including the delivery of new medical equipment, and infrastructure improvements on electrical systems, plumbing and painting.

The projects are part of a whole-government approach supported by Commander - Emergency Response Program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“After our visit in December, we mobilized a team of engineers to assess areas that we could provide help. We have delivered on our promise in providing medical equipment. Now, our focus is on continuing the infrastructure plan that will provide a healthier and safer hospital for these women and their children,” explained Colonel Scott G. Heyler, director, Civil-Military Operations.

At the end of the visit, Nicholson indicated that security is not just military force; security also includes the rebuilding of a new Afghanistan.

“What you do here is extraordinarily important; you are the definition of true security, all of your success add up to provide a better future,” he concluded.

NATO and Resolute Support remain committed to work with the Government of Afghanistan in protecting Afghans and enabling humanitarian assistance, and to the provision of long-term security and stability.

• Date Taken: 05.22.2017
• Date Posted: 05.23.2017 06:00
• Story ID: 234817
• Location: AF