Saturday, October 15, 2011
Newly trained midwives are saving lives in Afghanistan
A group of young midwives in Afghanistan's remote central mountains is fighting against the odds to make huge strides in maternal health
Afghanistan has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the world, but health practices and attitudes are changing thanks to a group of newly-trained midwives
In the mountains of central Afghanistan, blocked by snow for half the year, temperatures plummet to minus 37C. Nothing's easy in this part of the world – least of all childbirth.
Healthy newborns run the serious risk of hypothermia as some mothers simply don't understand the need to keep their baby warm. There is a host of hidden cultural challenges – for example, many women bleed to death before they can receive permission from their husband or mother-in-law to get medical help.
It's not surprising Afghanistan has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the world. When World Vision arrived in Ghor province in 2007, there wasn't a single skilled midwife in a province of 800,000 people.
Most deaths are preventable. It's down to lack of awareness about basic care, bad diets and women working physically too hard in the fields right up to giving birth. This is coupled with unskilled care and dangerous cultural practices such as cutting the umbilical cord with the edge of a shoe, from a well-meaning villager or mother-in-law.
Now there's hope, in the form of newly-trained midwives like 32-year-old Shukria. A close relative of hers bled to death during childbirth when a traditional birth attendant tried to remove the placenta with her hand, but mistakenly pulled out her womb. This horrific moment has inspired Shukria to help others.
When Shukria started work in Chagcharan, the mullawi (religious scholar) told her she was an "infidel" and wasn't welcome. It wasn't until she helped his wife, who became ill during pregnancy, and he was also satisfied with her answers to some religious questions, that she was allowed to stay.
Our midwives are only allowed to travel with a close male relative, and each now runs clinics to reach many more mothers and children.
I was based in remote Hazarajat in Afghanistan back in 2001 when the US-led invasion occurred. We were told to evacuate, but it took three days to reach the capital, Kabul, on dirt roads, and by the time we got there the airport had been bombed. We managed to get to Pakistan and a local colleague skilfully negotiated our way across the border.
Security is always a concern. A few months ago a small army base, five minutes drive from our team house, came under attack and we were evacuated. A colleague told me not to worry as "the explosions weren't close until the windows rattled".
When the security is poor I need to travel wearing a Herati burqa – a big patterned black sheet that covers you completely except for your face. I find it difficult to handle and often trip over the ends.
This is the fifth time I have worked in Afghanstan since 2001, and I have seen countless changes. The government now has a health system. It has set up many more health centres and trained health workers at all levels.
The story of these midwives, and the personal sacrifices they make, is inspiring. My team has grown from eight people to 38. In the past year, with the help of a local NGO, we have trained nearly 300 people to teach basic healthcare and carry out growth monitoring for more than 20,000 mothers and children each month. More than 90,000 mothers and fathers now attend these groups across five districts.
Working against the odds in such harsh surroundings, these women are changing health practices and attitudes which, in turn, is saving countless lives.
• Dr Sarah Pickworth is public health specialist for aid agency World Vision
The Guardian
In the mountains of central Afghanistan, blocked by snow for half the year, temperatures plummet to minus 37C. Nothing's easy in this part of the world – least of all childbirth.
Healthy newborns run the serious risk of hypothermia as some mothers simply don't understand the need to keep their baby warm. There is a host of hidden cultural challenges – for example, many women bleed to death before they can receive permission from their husband or mother-in-law to get medical help.
It's not surprising Afghanistan has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the world. When World Vision arrived in Ghor province in 2007, there wasn't a single skilled midwife in a province of 800,000 people.
Most deaths are preventable. It's down to lack of awareness about basic care, bad diets and women working physically too hard in the fields right up to giving birth. This is coupled with unskilled care and dangerous cultural practices such as cutting the umbilical cord with the edge of a shoe, from a well-meaning villager or mother-in-law.
Now there's hope, in the form of newly-trained midwives like 32-year-old Shukria. A close relative of hers bled to death during childbirth when a traditional birth attendant tried to remove the placenta with her hand, but mistakenly pulled out her womb. This horrific moment has inspired Shukria to help others.
When Shukria started work in Chagcharan, the mullawi (religious scholar) told her she was an "infidel" and wasn't welcome. It wasn't until she helped his wife, who became ill during pregnancy, and he was also satisfied with her answers to some religious questions, that she was allowed to stay.
Our midwives are only allowed to travel with a close male relative, and each now runs clinics to reach many more mothers and children.
I was based in remote Hazarajat in Afghanistan back in 2001 when the US-led invasion occurred. We were told to evacuate, but it took three days to reach the capital, Kabul, on dirt roads, and by the time we got there the airport had been bombed. We managed to get to Pakistan and a local colleague skilfully negotiated our way across the border.
Security is always a concern. A few months ago a small army base, five minutes drive from our team house, came under attack and we were evacuated. A colleague told me not to worry as "the explosions weren't close until the windows rattled".
When the security is poor I need to travel wearing a Herati burqa – a big patterned black sheet that covers you completely except for your face. I find it difficult to handle and often trip over the ends.
This is the fifth time I have worked in Afghanstan since 2001, and I have seen countless changes. The government now has a health system. It has set up many more health centres and trained health workers at all levels.
The story of these midwives, and the personal sacrifices they make, is inspiring. My team has grown from eight people to 38. In the past year, with the help of a local NGO, we have trained nearly 300 people to teach basic healthcare and carry out growth monitoring for more than 20,000 mothers and children each month. More than 90,000 mothers and fathers now attend these groups across five districts.
Working against the odds in such harsh surroundings, these women are changing health practices and attitudes which, in turn, is saving countless lives.
• Dr Sarah Pickworth is public health specialist for aid agency World Vision
The Guardian
Friday, October 14, 2011
Ethnic cleansing of Hazara community
THE recent wave of terrorism against the peaceful Hazara community in Quetta is a clear failure on the part of the provincial and federal governments to protect ethnic and religious minorities.
From the Newspaper
The massacre of 40 ethnic Hazara community members in less than 10 days is a clear message for the Hazara community that terrorists are focused and determined in their operations.
More than 1,500 members of the Hazara community have lost their lives in less than a decade, and the provincial government, on the other hand, is incapable of anything except advising Hazara community members to inform the local police station before moving in the city which is by no means a practical solution. Interestingly, despite heavy deployment of security forces and the presence of other security agencies in the region such incidents raise many questions about the credibility and seriousness of the provincial government to protect the lives of the ethnic Hazara community.
Besides, the silence of the Supreme Court of Pakistan is another mystery.
Is not the genocide of an ethnic community enough to open the eyes of the Supreme Court?
SAAD JAAN
Karachi
DAWN
From the Newspaper
The massacre of 40 ethnic Hazara community members in less than 10 days is a clear message for the Hazara community that terrorists are focused and determined in their operations.
More than 1,500 members of the Hazara community have lost their lives in less than a decade, and the provincial government, on the other hand, is incapable of anything except advising Hazara community members to inform the local police station before moving in the city which is by no means a practical solution. Interestingly, despite heavy deployment of security forces and the presence of other security agencies in the region such incidents raise many questions about the credibility and seriousness of the provincial government to protect the lives of the ethnic Hazara community.
Besides, the silence of the Supreme Court of Pakistan is another mystery.
Is not the genocide of an ethnic community enough to open the eyes of the Supreme Court?
SAAD JAAN
Karachi
DAWN
Youm-e-Tarheem
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Rawalpindi: The Youm-e-Tarheem was observed Friday to pay homage to all those who fell victim to target killings and terrorism throughout the country including the martyrs of Quetta on the call of Quaid-i-Millat Jafariya Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi, says a press release.
The day began with recitation from Holy Quran in mosques of all small and big cities and towns of all the five provinces including AJK and Islamabad. Khutaba, Ulema and Waizeen in their Friday sermons highlighted the philosophy of death through resolutions adopted on the occasion. Murder of innocent people of Hazara tribe in Quetta was strongly condemned and the powers that be were asked to take concrete steps to check the menace of terrorism instead of giving a mere lip-service.
Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi addressed Majlis-e-Tarheem at the headquarters of the Maktab-e-Tashayyo.
On the occasion resolutions were adopted against massacre of Hazara tribe in Quetta, incidents of terrorism going on throughout the country and drone attacks in the frontier regions of the country.
Rawalpindi: The Youm-e-Tarheem was observed Friday to pay homage to all those who fell victim to target killings and terrorism throughout the country including the martyrs of Quetta on the call of Quaid-i-Millat Jafariya Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi, says a press release.
The day began with recitation from Holy Quran in mosques of all small and big cities and towns of all the five provinces including AJK and Islamabad. Khutaba, Ulema and Waizeen in their Friday sermons highlighted the philosophy of death through resolutions adopted on the occasion. Murder of innocent people of Hazara tribe in Quetta was strongly condemned and the powers that be were asked to take concrete steps to check the menace of terrorism instead of giving a mere lip-service.
Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi addressed Majlis-e-Tarheem at the headquarters of the Maktab-e-Tashayyo.
On the occasion resolutions were adopted against massacre of Hazara tribe in Quetta, incidents of terrorism going on throughout the country and drone attacks in the frontier regions of the country.
Nasir Shah demands roadmap to end Hazara killings
ISLAMABAD - PPP MNA Syed Nasir Shah said on Friday that he would not end his boycott of the National Assembly session unless he was given a solid roadmap to end sectarian killings in Quetta and return peace to the city whereas Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the government was taking solid steps to ensure peace in Balochistan.
Nasir Shah after his boycott of the current session of the National Assembly has been sitting outside the Parliament House in protest against sectarian killings of Hazaras, a largely Shia community, in Quetta. He has demanded the dissolution of the provincial government in Balochistan which, in his view, has failed control law and order situation in the province.
The Interior Minister met Nasir Shah and urged him to end his boycott as the government was taking solid steps to control deteriorating situation in the province of Balochistan. Talking to the media, Malik said that anti-Pakistan elements were attacking the Shia community as a part of larger conspiracy. He said they will be dealt with an iron hand.
He said he will visit Quetta next week on the direction of President Asif Ali Zardari. Malik said action against all terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, will be taken and the Balochisan Chief Minister and Chief Secretary had been directed in this regard.
He added the federal government can only intervene in provincial matters after 18th Amendment on the invitation of provinces.
He said security in Shia area had been reinforced and the Zaireen going to Iran are being escorted by security officials, leading to a decrease in targeted killings in Balochistan.
Responding to a question about imposing Governor Rule in Balochistan, Malik said while he respected the sentiments of the people of Balochistan, the government will take steps according to the Constitution. Meanwhile, PPP MNA Syed Nasir Shah talking to Pakistan Today said Rehman Malik wanted him to end his boycott of the National Assembly session but he would do so only if he was given a clear and solid roadmap to end sectarian killings in Quetta.
“Rehman Malik told me that he is going to Quetta and the situation will improve soon. He wanted me to end the boycott. I cannot do so unless a clear and solid roadmap is not made to end sectarian killings. Can Rehman Malik going to Quetta bring peace?,” Nasir asked.
PAKISTAN TODAY
Hazara community for operation against killers
our correspondent
Saturday, October 15, 2011
ISLAMABAD: Hazara community on Friday called for a targeted operation against terrorists allegedly being protected by certain political elements in Quetta, who were involved in a series of executions of Hazara pilgrims and labourers.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik informed the visiting delegation of Hazara community from Quetta that 10-15 persons were involved in execution of Hazaras and they would not be spared now.
The minister was not available for his views on the matter. He has been asked by the president to visit Quetta and review security situation there and ensure protection to Hazaras. The minister promised to the visitors, who called on him here, that he would focus on flushing out terrorist elements from Quetta, as previously he was hectically engaged in controlling target killings in Karachi.
Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) President Abdul Khaliq Hazara, who was also part of the delegation, when approached for comments on the burning issue, told The News that within a day or two, culprits could be located and nabbed. “Areas falling in the jurisdiction of three police stations, located in Shalkot, New Saryab and Brewery are safe havens for the killers, as the Inspector General of Police is also helpless here,” he charged and said they had informed both the president and the interior minister about this bitter fact.
HDP president pointed out that the areas in jurisdiction of these police stations were sparsely populated and it was quite easy to have an eye on the movement of criminal elements. “We have credible information that the perpetrators live in these areas and freely go out, gun down innocent people and then return home despite the presence of three check posts along the road, leading to Mastung,” he noted. He charged the provincial government as well as the Quetta administration had been paralysed and as a result no one was being questioned or held responsible for these glaring security lapses and the killers were making their escape good.
Abdul Khaliq contended despite knowing the incidents of killing were taking place in a part of Mastung, the native district of chief minister Balochistan, no sincere effort was made to check this bloody trend.
Asked what the president said to them when they explained to him their ordeal, Abdul Khaliq noted “the president expressed his concern and regretted all this was happening during his tenure as head of the state”. The delegation, he noted, also apprised the president of growing sense of insecurity among Hazara community after no arrests were made and no heads were rolled after repeated massacres of Hazaras.
THE NEWS
Saturday, October 15, 2011
ISLAMABAD: Hazara community on Friday called for a targeted operation against terrorists allegedly being protected by certain political elements in Quetta, who were involved in a series of executions of Hazara pilgrims and labourers.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik informed the visiting delegation of Hazara community from Quetta that 10-15 persons were involved in execution of Hazaras and they would not be spared now.
The minister was not available for his views on the matter. He has been asked by the president to visit Quetta and review security situation there and ensure protection to Hazaras. The minister promised to the visitors, who called on him here, that he would focus on flushing out terrorist elements from Quetta, as previously he was hectically engaged in controlling target killings in Karachi.
Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) President Abdul Khaliq Hazara, who was also part of the delegation, when approached for comments on the burning issue, told The News that within a day or two, culprits could be located and nabbed. “Areas falling in the jurisdiction of three police stations, located in Shalkot, New Saryab and Brewery are safe havens for the killers, as the Inspector General of Police is also helpless here,” he charged and said they had informed both the president and the interior minister about this bitter fact.
HDP president pointed out that the areas in jurisdiction of these police stations were sparsely populated and it was quite easy to have an eye on the movement of criminal elements. “We have credible information that the perpetrators live in these areas and freely go out, gun down innocent people and then return home despite the presence of three check posts along the road, leading to Mastung,” he noted. He charged the provincial government as well as the Quetta administration had been paralysed and as a result no one was being questioned or held responsible for these glaring security lapses and the killers were making their escape good.
Abdul Khaliq contended despite knowing the incidents of killing were taking place in a part of Mastung, the native district of chief minister Balochistan, no sincere effort was made to check this bloody trend.
Asked what the president said to them when they explained to him their ordeal, Abdul Khaliq noted “the president expressed his concern and regretted all this was happening during his tenure as head of the state”. The delegation, he noted, also apprised the president of growing sense of insecurity among Hazara community after no arrests were made and no heads were rolled after repeated massacres of Hazaras.
THE NEWS
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