Jalalabad [Afghanistan], March 15 (ANI): In a landmark humanitarian initiative, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a transformative project to establish ten state-of-the-art maternity and paediatric centres across Afghanistan.

Guided by the humanitarian vision of the UAE's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and supported by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, the initiative aims to address critical healthcare needs while fostering stability, development, and prosperity in Afghanistan.

The maternity clinics are located in Afghan provinces where the need is greatest, including Nangarhar, Balkh, Herat, Ghazni, Paktika, Paktia, Kandahar, and Helmand. Each centre is equipped with two specialist beds and has dedicated doctors and nursing staff.

With an estimated 115,000 women expected to benefit in the coming years, alongside wider community impact, the initiative seeks to elevate healthcare standards, empower women and children, and strengthen local communities. The project features cutting-edge facilities, solar power, satellite-linked stations, mobile clinics, and ambulances.

The medical centre in Baghbani district of Jalalabad is already providing essential care to expectant mothers and young children. Previously, local families had no access to reliable vaccines due to supply shortages and inadequate refrigeration.

Now, thanks to the centre's modern facilities, essential immunizations, including tuberculosis vaccines, are available to over 20 people daily. Baby Ayesha Qamari is among the children receiving vital health checks and vaccinations. Afghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates, with approximately 43 deaths per 1,000 live births, primarily due to infectious diseases, respiratory infections, diarrhoea, malaria, pre-term birth complications, and birth asphyxia.

Ayesha's mother expressed her gratitude, saying, 'We've come to the clinic three or four times. Whoever built this clinic, we thank them. We didn't have the ability to rent a car, and there were other problems. By the time we would go to the city hospital or university hospital, our patient or child would pass away.'

The vaccination program is a crucial part of the centre's healthcare services. Marwa Akbari, Clinic Vaccination Officer, explained, 'Currently, we are applying the COVID-19 and BCG vaccines to eligible individuals. This vaccine is administered to both pregnant and non-pregnant women who meet the criteria.'

Ikramullah, the leading doctor at the clinic, highlighted the improvements in maternal healthcare, stating, 'Previously, unsafe home births were common, but now we assist deliveries with a professional team. We also provide vaccinations, nutritional support for newborns, and treatment facilities for mothers with internal health issues.'

Afghanistan has been identified as a priority for the UAE's humanitarian and sustainable aid efforts. With close supervision from Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs' Families Affairs, the UAE's Integrated Development Program aims to deliver top-quality healthcare across the country.

One Afghan mother, Shazia Mohammadi, who has six children, had never had access to modern healthcare--until now. In appreciation of the UAE's efforts, she named her newborn daughter Fatima after Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, Mother of the Nation and wife of the UAE's founder. 'When I was giving birth, our economic situation was very bad. Now, things have improved. We thank the UAE for helping us so much.'

Her husband, Ramadan Mohammadi, shared their struggle, saying, 'Six of our children were born at home. The clinic was far, and our economy was weak. This is the first time a clinic has been built near our house, and it has been very good for us.'

Beyond healthcare, the initiative is also generating economic opportunities. The project has created 92 jobs and is stimulating local businesses, ultimately uplifting families in the region. Mawlawi Ameenullah Sharif, Health Director of Nangarhar Province, acknowledged the impact of the UAE's efforts, stating, 'We thank the UAE for supporting the Islamic Emirate and for investing in clinics across Afghanistan. The Nangarhar clinic was urgently needed. Now, the poor have access to essential healthcare, including vaccination, nutrition, and maternal and child health services.'

Jalalabad, Afghanistan's fifth-largest city, with a population of approximately 350,000, is just one of many areas benefiting from the UAE's humanitarian efforts. The UAE continues to fund multiple initiatives across Afghanistan, driven by principles of solidarity, generosity, and sustainable development, regardless of race, class, ethnicity, sect, or political orientation. (ANI)