Winter adventure on Afghanistan's ski slopes By Ramin Anwari
BBC Afghan
Excerpt:
"Bamiyan certainly has the potential, as it has had throughout its long and rich history, to become a favourite tourist destination," says Amir Foladi, who works with the Aga Khan Foundation to promote tourism in the country.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17230049
*****
First Skiing Championship organized in Bamiyan province
By Ghanizada - Fri Mar 02, 5:53 pm
The first skiing championship was held in the central mountainous regions of Bamiyan province and was attended by a number local and foreign ski athletes.
Amir Foladi programs coordinator at the Aga Khan Foundation in Bamiyan proivnce said, at least 10 foreign ski players and 20 local ski players have participated in the championship.
The foreigner ski players include athletes from United Kingdom, United States, Swiss and India.
According to local governmental officials in Bamiyan province, the main motive of the championship which was held at “Kohi Baba” was to attract tourists in this province.
A similar championship was organized last year in this province but was attended by local ski players only.
This is the first time foreign ski players are taking part in Skiing championships at Bamiyan province.
Another championship is due to be organized on 8th March to celeberate the Women’s day and will be attended by women ski players.
Bamiyan province is one of the well known and historical provinces of Afghanistan where two major Buddas were located, which were destroyed by the Taliban militants in 2001.
Thousands of caves which were built by Budhist hundred years before Islam are located in the mountains of Bamiya province besides the old and historical cities of Ghol Ghola and Zahak.
Qala-e-Char Borj at Yakawlang in the western parts of Bamiyan city and a number of other historical places are considered to be more attracting to foreign tourists in this province.
Follow KHAAMA PRESS | Afghan Online Newspaper on
http://www.khaama.com/first-skiing-cham ... ovince-788
Afghanistan & AKDN
AKF helps avalanche victims
Excerpt:
The Geneva-based Agha Khan Foundation, the UN Food Program and the US embassy have donated food and medicines to the affected families.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-10/d ... 56/3881862
Excerpt:
The Geneva-based Agha Khan Foundation, the UN Food Program and the US embassy have donated food and medicines to the affected families.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-10/d ... 56/3881862
Ski Afghanistan: A Backcountry Guide to Bamyan & Band-e-Amir
The Bamyan Ecotourism Programme, supported by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture, the Bamyan provincial government, the Aga Khan Development Network and New Zealand’s Aid Programme, is therefore developing sustainable tourism in Bamyan to help preserve and develop the history and culture of the region, to provide employment and to give local people the ability to improve their living standards. Ski Afghanistan is published as part of the Bamyan Ecotourism Programme.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1122/Ski-Af ... -BandeAmir
*****
Skiers, snowboarders explore Afghanistan's wild mountains
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/2012031 ... -20120317/
******
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... -1/SANNEWS
Excerpt:
The push to make Bamiyan a skiing destination started in 2010, when the Geneva-based Aga Khan Foundation sponsored two Americans to write a guidebook. It has also trained locals to ski and hired internationally certified ski guides to take tourists into the mountains.
The Bamyan Ecotourism Programme, supported by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture, the Bamyan provincial government, the Aga Khan Development Network and New Zealand’s Aid Programme, is therefore developing sustainable tourism in Bamyan to help preserve and develop the history and culture of the region, to provide employment and to give local people the ability to improve their living standards. Ski Afghanistan is published as part of the Bamyan Ecotourism Programme.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1122/Ski-Af ... -BandeAmir
*****
Skiers, snowboarders explore Afghanistan's wild mountains
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/2012031 ... -20120317/
******
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... -1/SANNEWS
Excerpt:
The push to make Bamiyan a skiing destination started in 2010, when the Geneva-based Aga Khan Foundation sponsored two Americans to write a guidebook. It has also trained locals to ski and hired internationally certified ski guides to take tourists into the mountains.
AKF co-organizes meeting on the preservation of Bamyan Valley’s cultural landscape and archeological remains
Traditional dancing at the site of the Buddha statues in Bamyan. Senior government officials and international experts are in Bamyan today for a first of its kind meeting on how to best preserve Bamyan Valley’s cultural landscape and archeological remains. The two-day meeting is organized by the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Governor’s Office, UNESCO and the Aga Khan Foundation.
Photo by UNAMA
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unama/7392184766/
Traditional dancing at the site of the Buddha statues in Bamyan. Senior government officials and international experts are in Bamyan today for a first of its kind meeting on how to best preserve Bamyan Valley’s cultural landscape and archeological remains. The two-day meeting is organized by the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Governor’s Office, UNESCO and the Aga Khan Foundation.
Photo by UNAMA
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unama/7392184766/
Safar - Afghanistan Meets Germany
Old masters of traditional Afghan music meet renowned German pop musicians
Our perception of Afghanistan focuses on war, conflict and terror. However, Afghanistan was long known for its cultural richness - and famous for its music: Music, which was banned during the time of the Taliban regime, yet, the knowledge of which has survived alongside the old masters. Since 2008 some of these old masters have been working at the Afghan National Institute of Music (ANIM) and the Aga Khan Music Initiative (AKMI) in Kabul to impart these rich old traditions to younger generations.
However, despite the efforts of the ANIM and AKMI, the musical heritage of Afghanistan is in danger. So far, not many young artists are capable of playing the diverse Afghan traditional music in a way compliant with the high standards of the old masters.
For the project "Safar - Afghanistan Meets Germany" - following an invitation from the Liszt University of Music Weimar, Germany - a group of five Afghan master musicians, including Ustad Gholam Hossein and Ustad Amruddin, and accompanied by two young Afghan musicians, will be visiting Germany from June 23 - July, 13, 2012 with a fascinating approach to musical exchange.
The project itself aims at increasing cultural understanding between Afghanistan and Germany, while also providing insight into, and new perspectives towards one's own culture. Accordingly, cultural relations and ties between Germany and Afghanistan will be strengthened. In cooperation with three renowned jazz and pop musicians, a communicative and brisk musical journey will be undertaken, transcending all potential language-barriers. The results of this cooperation will be presented in concerts in Weimar, Rudolstadt, Bonn and Berlin and broadcasts on the radio.
As the very existence of traditional Afghan music is threatened of disappearing, the musicians will also be recorded professionally and their educational work will be documented. The recording sessions will be held July, 2nd- 5th 2012 in the recording studio of the Liszt University of Music in Weimar and later made available to the public in international music archives. Workshops with students will be also held.
Media coverage and film documentation of the concerts will be translated into Dari and presented in an exposition in Kabul, as well as on Afghan television (RTA).
http://www.safar-musik.de/index.php?pag ... tm&lang=en
Old masters of traditional Afghan music meet renowned German pop musicians
Our perception of Afghanistan focuses on war, conflict and terror. However, Afghanistan was long known for its cultural richness - and famous for its music: Music, which was banned during the time of the Taliban regime, yet, the knowledge of which has survived alongside the old masters. Since 2008 some of these old masters have been working at the Afghan National Institute of Music (ANIM) and the Aga Khan Music Initiative (AKMI) in Kabul to impart these rich old traditions to younger generations.
However, despite the efforts of the ANIM and AKMI, the musical heritage of Afghanistan is in danger. So far, not many young artists are capable of playing the diverse Afghan traditional music in a way compliant with the high standards of the old masters.
For the project "Safar - Afghanistan Meets Germany" - following an invitation from the Liszt University of Music Weimar, Germany - a group of five Afghan master musicians, including Ustad Gholam Hossein and Ustad Amruddin, and accompanied by two young Afghan musicians, will be visiting Germany from June 23 - July, 13, 2012 with a fascinating approach to musical exchange.
The project itself aims at increasing cultural understanding between Afghanistan and Germany, while also providing insight into, and new perspectives towards one's own culture. Accordingly, cultural relations and ties between Germany and Afghanistan will be strengthened. In cooperation with three renowned jazz and pop musicians, a communicative and brisk musical journey will be undertaken, transcending all potential language-barriers. The results of this cooperation will be presented in concerts in Weimar, Rudolstadt, Bonn and Berlin and broadcasts on the radio.
As the very existence of traditional Afghan music is threatened of disappearing, the musicians will also be recorded professionally and their educational work will be documented. The recording sessions will be held July, 2nd- 5th 2012 in the recording studio of the Liszt University of Music in Weimar and later made available to the public in international music archives. Workshops with students will be also held.
Media coverage and film documentation of the concerts will be translated into Dari and presented in an exposition in Kabul, as well as on Afghan television (RTA).
http://www.safar-musik.de/index.php?pag ... tm&lang=en
Music
Afghanistan revives its musical traditions
For three weeks, master musicians from Kabul were in Germany to introduce their music to Western audiences. They also improvised with three German musicians as part of the Safar project.
"Transcultural Music Studies," might sound very academic but it is actually the name of a series of creative projects conducted at the Liszt School of Music in Weimar. The aim is to conduct research into local musical traditions and then present the results in live workshops and concerts in Germany.
Safar, which means journey, is the result of such a project. It is a journey that for Philip Küppers began in January when he was at the Afghanistan National Institute for Music. He looked for musicians who were prepared to set up an ensemble, go to Germany and present their music to a Western audience.
Under the Taliban's regime, it was forbidden to play and listen to music in Afghanistan. Some musicians had their fingers chopped off. Instruments were hung from the gallows to act as a deterrent. Videos and cassettes were destroyed. The area of Kabul where musicians had lived before was completely laid to waste.
Forced into exile
Ustads (masters) of Afghan music who had survived decades of war were forced into exile - in Pakistan, Europe or the US.
Ustad Amruddin is in his 80s and still going strong
Ten years after the Taliban were ousted there are very few musicians left in Afghanistan who have a firm grasp of the country's traditional music, but some Ustads have returned to change this.
Music can be studied once again at the Afghanistan National Institute for Music, which is state-funded, as well as at Kabul University and the Aga Khan Music Initiative.
Traditional music in Afghanistan has to compete against Bollywood and American pop but there is an attempt to maintain Afghanistan's cultural heritage.
Influenced by all corners
Located on the crossroads between many trade routes, Afghanistan's music tradition was influenced by Arabs, Persians, Indians, Mongolians, Chinese and many others passing through. Thus Afghan music features a mix of Persian melodies, Arab scales, Indian compositional principles as well as sounds from tribes such as the Pashtuns or Tajiks and the instruments used range from Indian tablas to long-necked lutes.
German audiences were able to get an insight into Afghanistan's musical richness at five concerts - one of which took place at Deutsche Welle in Bonn. They centred on the sounds of the rubab, Afghanistan's national instrument. Made from the trunk of a mulberry tree, it has three melody strings tuned in fourths that are plucked with a plectrum and numerous sympathetic strings to intensify the sound.
Rubab player Ustad Ghulam Hussain and Ustad Amruddin (at least 85 years old) impressed the crowds with their traditional pieces and improvisations, as did the youngest player of the project –-14-year-old Salim. For Ustads the transmission of musical knowledge is as important as playing itself.
German and Afghan musicians improvising together
Later, the Afghan musicians were joined on stage by three German musicians - Jörg Holdinghausen on bass, Arne Jansen on guitar and Jan Burkamp on the drums, who provided a perfect rhythmic background.
Author: Matthias Klaus / act
Editor: Arun Chowdhury
http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16109126 ... l-1573-rdf
Afghanistan revives its musical traditions
For three weeks, master musicians from Kabul were in Germany to introduce their music to Western audiences. They also improvised with three German musicians as part of the Safar project.
"Transcultural Music Studies," might sound very academic but it is actually the name of a series of creative projects conducted at the Liszt School of Music in Weimar. The aim is to conduct research into local musical traditions and then present the results in live workshops and concerts in Germany.
Safar, which means journey, is the result of such a project. It is a journey that for Philip Küppers began in January when he was at the Afghanistan National Institute for Music. He looked for musicians who were prepared to set up an ensemble, go to Germany and present their music to a Western audience.
Under the Taliban's regime, it was forbidden to play and listen to music in Afghanistan. Some musicians had their fingers chopped off. Instruments were hung from the gallows to act as a deterrent. Videos and cassettes were destroyed. The area of Kabul where musicians had lived before was completely laid to waste.
Forced into exile
Ustads (masters) of Afghan music who had survived decades of war were forced into exile - in Pakistan, Europe or the US.
Ustad Amruddin is in his 80s and still going strong
Ten years after the Taliban were ousted there are very few musicians left in Afghanistan who have a firm grasp of the country's traditional music, but some Ustads have returned to change this.
Music can be studied once again at the Afghanistan National Institute for Music, which is state-funded, as well as at Kabul University and the Aga Khan Music Initiative.
Traditional music in Afghanistan has to compete against Bollywood and American pop but there is an attempt to maintain Afghanistan's cultural heritage.
Influenced by all corners
Located on the crossroads between many trade routes, Afghanistan's music tradition was influenced by Arabs, Persians, Indians, Mongolians, Chinese and many others passing through. Thus Afghan music features a mix of Persian melodies, Arab scales, Indian compositional principles as well as sounds from tribes such as the Pashtuns or Tajiks and the instruments used range from Indian tablas to long-necked lutes.
German audiences were able to get an insight into Afghanistan's musical richness at five concerts - one of which took place at Deutsche Welle in Bonn. They centred on the sounds of the rubab, Afghanistan's national instrument. Made from the trunk of a mulberry tree, it has three melody strings tuned in fourths that are plucked with a plectrum and numerous sympathetic strings to intensify the sound.
Rubab player Ustad Ghulam Hussain and Ustad Amruddin (at least 85 years old) impressed the crowds with their traditional pieces and improvisations, as did the youngest player of the project –-14-year-old Salim. For Ustads the transmission of musical knowledge is as important as playing itself.
German and Afghan musicians improvising together
Later, the Afghan musicians were joined on stage by three German musicians - Jörg Holdinghausen on bass, Arne Jansen on guitar and Jan Burkamp on the drums, who provided a perfect rhythmic background.
Author: Matthias Klaus / act
Editor: Arun Chowdhury
http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16109126 ... l-1573-rdf
New AKDN diplomatic representative start work in Afghanistan
By Mirwais Adeel - 14 Mar 2013, 11:56 am
0 Comments 129 views Email Print
The new Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), in Afghanistan, Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani, presented her credentials to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Mrs. Mawani succeeds Mr. Aly Mawji who represented AKDN in Afghanistan for more than a decade.
For the past eight years, Mrs. Mawani has served as the AKDN Diplomatic Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic where she has guided the work of AKDN agencies during the country’s transition period, working in close partnership with the Government, Parliament and institutions of civil society. Mrs. Mawani will remain accredited to the Kyrgyz Republic at present.
Prior to her engagement with the AKDN, Nurjehan Mawani had a long and distinguished career with the Canadian Public Service. She served as the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s largest tribunal, the Immigration and Refugee Board. Subsequently, she served as Commissioner of the Public Service Commission of Canada, an independent institution responsible for safeguarding the integrity and non-partisanship of the public service on behalf of the Canadian Parliament.
In recognition of her contributions to public service and to her profession, Mrs. Mawani has received numerous awards, among them, the Order of Canada and the UNIFEM Canada Award for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of women. In 2012, in recognition of her contributions to Canada, Mrs. Mawani was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
The Aga Khan Development Network began working in Afghanistan in the late 1990s, providing food aid and a range of livelihood and support services to Afghans both in country as well as refugees who had fled their homes as a result of the on-going conflict. At the January 2002 Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan, His Highness the Aga Khan made a pledge of USD $75 million to support international reconstruction efforts. This pledge marked the transition of AKDN’s intervention in Afghanistan from humanitarian relief to multi-sector integrated development, and the beginning of a formal partnership between AKDN and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. In June 2008, at the Afghanistan Conference in France, His Highness the Aga Khan pledged a further USD $100 million in support of AKDN’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan.
Through partnerships with the Afghan government, significant investments into Afghan companies, and national and regional development programmes in partnership with other international organisations and donors, AKDN has channeled more than USD $900 million toward Afghanistan’s economic, social, and cultural reconstruction. AKDN programmes encompass large-scale rural development; health, education, governance and civil society programmes, including Afghanistan’s National Solidarity Programme; the rehabilitation of historic neighborhoods in Kabul and Herat; the management and operations of a pediatric hospital and two provincial hospitals; an extensive network of financial and micro finance services; a rapidly growing mobile phone network with innovative investments in corporate social responsibility; and, a five-star hotel in Kabul.
http://www.khaama.com/new-akdn-diplomat ... istan-2654
By Mirwais Adeel - 14 Mar 2013, 11:56 am
0 Comments 129 views Email Print
The new Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), in Afghanistan, Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani, presented her credentials to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Mrs. Mawani succeeds Mr. Aly Mawji who represented AKDN in Afghanistan for more than a decade.
For the past eight years, Mrs. Mawani has served as the AKDN Diplomatic Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic where she has guided the work of AKDN agencies during the country’s transition period, working in close partnership with the Government, Parliament and institutions of civil society. Mrs. Mawani will remain accredited to the Kyrgyz Republic at present.
Prior to her engagement with the AKDN, Nurjehan Mawani had a long and distinguished career with the Canadian Public Service. She served as the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s largest tribunal, the Immigration and Refugee Board. Subsequently, she served as Commissioner of the Public Service Commission of Canada, an independent institution responsible for safeguarding the integrity and non-partisanship of the public service on behalf of the Canadian Parliament.
In recognition of her contributions to public service and to her profession, Mrs. Mawani has received numerous awards, among them, the Order of Canada and the UNIFEM Canada Award for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of women. In 2012, in recognition of her contributions to Canada, Mrs. Mawani was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
The Aga Khan Development Network began working in Afghanistan in the late 1990s, providing food aid and a range of livelihood and support services to Afghans both in country as well as refugees who had fled their homes as a result of the on-going conflict. At the January 2002 Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan, His Highness the Aga Khan made a pledge of USD $75 million to support international reconstruction efforts. This pledge marked the transition of AKDN’s intervention in Afghanistan from humanitarian relief to multi-sector integrated development, and the beginning of a formal partnership between AKDN and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. In June 2008, at the Afghanistan Conference in France, His Highness the Aga Khan pledged a further USD $100 million in support of AKDN’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan.
Through partnerships with the Afghan government, significant investments into Afghan companies, and national and regional development programmes in partnership with other international organisations and donors, AKDN has channeled more than USD $900 million toward Afghanistan’s economic, social, and cultural reconstruction. AKDN programmes encompass large-scale rural development; health, education, governance and civil society programmes, including Afghanistan’s National Solidarity Programme; the rehabilitation of historic neighborhoods in Kabul and Herat; the management and operations of a pediatric hospital and two provincial hospitals; an extensive network of financial and micro finance services; a rapidly growing mobile phone network with innovative investments in corporate social responsibility; and, a five-star hotel in Kabul.
http://www.khaama.com/new-akdn-diplomat ... istan-2654
AKF channeled $700m of assistance to Afghanistan
http://www.khaama.com/aga-khan-foundati ... istan-8519
Aga Khan Foundation channeled $700m of assistance to Afghanistan
By Ghanizada - Thu Aug 28 2014, 8:54 am
Aga Khan Development Network AfghanistanThe Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) have channeled roughly around $700 million of assistance to Afghanistan since the foundation begun it’s engagement in Afghanistan in 1995.
More than 2.5 million people have benefited from the assistance which mainly focuses on world development health care, education, financial services, mobile telephony and other sectors.
The Aga Khan Foundation has been working and implementing projects to deliver development assistance at village level in Afghanistan with a variery of partners, specifically the Indian government and World Bank.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Dr. Matt Reed, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation, said “India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s development through the AGDN have been substantial. We have a substantial number of Indians that have worked for us in Afghanistan, bringing their knowledge from whole variety of sectors, ranging from world development health care, education, financial services, mobile telephony and other sectors.”
He said, “The Government of India has actually contributed financially to some of the programmes that we are operating in Afghanistan, most notably in and around the restoration of cultural monuments and cultural activities. Thus, the government has supported the restoration of the office of Ministry Of Foreign Affairs which is the historic building in Kabul.”
The Aga Khan Development Network has also been actively contributing to reduce maternal mortality, child morality and literacy rates going up.
Referring to India’s sustainability of doing work over decades in Afghanistan and it will be a long lasting one, Reed said, “We have sent variety of technical support to our teams working in Afghanistan, and teams in Afghanistan including Afghanis have come and trained in India from our staff. For example, we have a support called Aga Khan World support programme.”
“They are primarily based in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar and the work they do is natural resource management. Water shed management, check dams working with community organizations on how to govern water resources and another resources as well as agricultural work, things like rain water harvesting, safe water those kinds of things,” Reed added.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) started distribution of aid to Afghanistan during the civil war from Tajikistan through Aga Khan Development Network’s affiliate.
The Foundation has actively participated in a number of sectors, including agricultural productivity, natural resource management especially building community development councils, building village organization, building Afghanistan’s civil society, getting participatory governance between local Afghan people and district officials, regional officials.
Follow Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency
Aga Khan Foundation channeled $700m of assistance to Afghanistan
By Ghanizada - Thu Aug 28 2014, 8:54 am
Aga Khan Development Network AfghanistanThe Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) have channeled roughly around $700 million of assistance to Afghanistan since the foundation begun it’s engagement in Afghanistan in 1995.
More than 2.5 million people have benefited from the assistance which mainly focuses on world development health care, education, financial services, mobile telephony and other sectors.
The Aga Khan Foundation has been working and implementing projects to deliver development assistance at village level in Afghanistan with a variery of partners, specifically the Indian government and World Bank.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Dr. Matt Reed, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation, said “India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s development through the AGDN have been substantial. We have a substantial number of Indians that have worked for us in Afghanistan, bringing their knowledge from whole variety of sectors, ranging from world development health care, education, financial services, mobile telephony and other sectors.”
He said, “The Government of India has actually contributed financially to some of the programmes that we are operating in Afghanistan, most notably in and around the restoration of cultural monuments and cultural activities. Thus, the government has supported the restoration of the office of Ministry Of Foreign Affairs which is the historic building in Kabul.”
The Aga Khan Development Network has also been actively contributing to reduce maternal mortality, child morality and literacy rates going up.
Referring to India’s sustainability of doing work over decades in Afghanistan and it will be a long lasting one, Reed said, “We have sent variety of technical support to our teams working in Afghanistan, and teams in Afghanistan including Afghanis have come and trained in India from our staff. For example, we have a support called Aga Khan World support programme.”
“They are primarily based in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar and the work they do is natural resource management. Water shed management, check dams working with community organizations on how to govern water resources and another resources as well as agricultural work, things like rain water harvesting, safe water those kinds of things,” Reed added.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) started distribution of aid to Afghanistan during the civil war from Tajikistan through Aga Khan Development Network’s affiliate.
The Foundation has actively participated in a number of sectors, including agricultural productivity, natural resource management especially building community development councils, building village organization, building Afghanistan’s civil society, getting participatory governance between local Afghan people and district officials, regional officials.
Follow Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency
A Place of Miracles: The Story of a Children's Hospital in Kabul and the People Whose Lives Have Been Changed by ItPaperback– February 16, 2015
Neha Was the Smallest Infant to Ever be Treated and Survive in Afghanistan. An unusual partnership created the French Medical Institute for Children - two private, non-governmental organizations - the Aga Khan Development Network and the France-based humanitarian entity, La Chaine de l'Espoir, and two governments - the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and France. The result is an institution that has enabled children's lives to be saved that might have otherwise been lost. Nearly 1,600 children have been treated for congenital and acquired heart diseases, almost half of which had open-heart surgery. Arising during a time of seemingly never-ending war, FMIC is one of Afghanistan's most remarkable success stories. It has become the enabling catalyst for lives to be changed and dreams to be realized - a place where people have succeeded and survived against overwhelming obstacles and odds. As the U.S. and its allies prepare to shift their missions in Afghanistan from military and combat to aid and development, the general consensus is that nothing done in that war-torn country has been successful. FMIC is one of Afghanistan's most remarkable reconstruction success stories. It is a model that can be emulated as the U.S. and others strive to complete their development missions there. "FMIC has achieved many successes and achieved excellence in many fields in healthcare in Afghanistan. This Institute is a true example of a successful public-private partnership." Dr. Suraya Dalil, Afghanistan's Minister of Public Health, speaking at FMIC's 2nd International Pediatric Conference, December 2012. "When we have international societies with us and partnerships like FMIC, we can have hope for the future. This hope gives me energy to go ahead." Dr. Jalil Wardak, Head of Pediatric General Surgery at FMIC
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Miracles-Ch ... 1478746912
Neha Was the Smallest Infant to Ever be Treated and Survive in Afghanistan. An unusual partnership created the French Medical Institute for Children - two private, non-governmental organizations - the Aga Khan Development Network and the France-based humanitarian entity, La Chaine de l'Espoir, and two governments - the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and France. The result is an institution that has enabled children's lives to be saved that might have otherwise been lost. Nearly 1,600 children have been treated for congenital and acquired heart diseases, almost half of which had open-heart surgery. Arising during a time of seemingly never-ending war, FMIC is one of Afghanistan's most remarkable success stories. It has become the enabling catalyst for lives to be changed and dreams to be realized - a place where people have succeeded and survived against overwhelming obstacles and odds. As the U.S. and its allies prepare to shift their missions in Afghanistan from military and combat to aid and development, the general consensus is that nothing done in that war-torn country has been successful. FMIC is one of Afghanistan's most remarkable reconstruction success stories. It is a model that can be emulated as the U.S. and others strive to complete their development missions there. "FMIC has achieved many successes and achieved excellence in many fields in healthcare in Afghanistan. This Institute is a true example of a successful public-private partnership." Dr. Suraya Dalil, Afghanistan's Minister of Public Health, speaking at FMIC's 2nd International Pediatric Conference, December 2012. "When we have international societies with us and partnerships like FMIC, we can have hope for the future. This hope gives me energy to go ahead." Dr. Jalil Wardak, Head of Pediatric General Surgery at FMIC
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Miracles-Ch ... 1478746912
Kabul Surgeons Successfully Separate Conjoined Twins
Afghan doctors at the French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) have successfully separated 15-day-old conjoined twin girls in Kabul – the first time that such surgery has been carried out in Afghanistan.
The head of surgery at the FMIC, Jalil Wardak, said the babies were transferred from north-eastern Badakhshan province to the hospital recently in preparation for the surgery. He said they had been joined at the abdomen.
The twins are from a poor and vulnerable family and were able to travel to Kabul and undergo the surgery through the help of a charity organization.
"Doctors of Faizabad Hospital in Badakhshan helped transfer the newborn babies to Kabul and they underwent the operation with the help of the hospital's charity unit," Abdullah Fahim, FMIC chairman told TOLOnews.
The chief surgeon who did the rare operation was assisted by a number of colleagues, and said the babies were attached at abdomen, digestive system and they shared a number of arteries and veins; but the operation was successful and the shared organs were separated.
Wardak, the chief surgeon, said: "During the operation, we found that they were attached in the lower parts of the small and large intestines. We were successful in separating their intestines and dividing them between the two babies – equally," he added.
Meanwhile, the father of the baby girls, Haidar Ahmad, said he didn't believe that his babies could be separated from each other and survive.
"We had no hope that they will remain alive. But when we came here, the doctors' operation was successful, and now the baby girls are alive and are separated from each other," he said.
Conjoined twins are rare in the world. There are one or two conjoined twins in 10,000 births of twins. This is the first time that conjoined twins underwent such a surgery in the country.
To watch the whole report, click here:
http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/ ... ined-twins
Afghan doctors at the French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) have successfully separated 15-day-old conjoined twin girls in Kabul – the first time that such surgery has been carried out in Afghanistan.
The head of surgery at the FMIC, Jalil Wardak, said the babies were transferred from north-eastern Badakhshan province to the hospital recently in preparation for the surgery. He said they had been joined at the abdomen.
The twins are from a poor and vulnerable family and were able to travel to Kabul and undergo the surgery through the help of a charity organization.
"Doctors of Faizabad Hospital in Badakhshan helped transfer the newborn babies to Kabul and they underwent the operation with the help of the hospital's charity unit," Abdullah Fahim, FMIC chairman told TOLOnews.
The chief surgeon who did the rare operation was assisted by a number of colleagues, and said the babies were attached at abdomen, digestive system and they shared a number of arteries and veins; but the operation was successful and the shared organs were separated.
Wardak, the chief surgeon, said: "During the operation, we found that they were attached in the lower parts of the small and large intestines. We were successful in separating their intestines and dividing them between the two babies – equally," he added.
Meanwhile, the father of the baby girls, Haidar Ahmad, said he didn't believe that his babies could be separated from each other and survive.
"We had no hope that they will remain alive. But when we came here, the doctors' operation was successful, and now the baby girls are alive and are separated from each other," he said.
Conjoined twins are rare in the world. There are one or two conjoined twins in 10,000 births of twins. This is the first time that conjoined twins underwent such a surgery in the country.
To watch the whole report, click here:
http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/ ... ined-twins
Book “A Place of Miracles” launched
KABUL: Lee Hilling, the author of “A Place of Miracles”, one of the top ten best-selling, self-publishing books, formally launched his book in here at the Government Media and Information Center (GMIC).
According to a press release issued here by French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) the launch of book was attended by Minister of Economy, Abdul Sattar Murad, Afghan and French governments’ officials, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), La Chaine de l’Espoir, France, representatives of international and civil society organizations, writers and media-persons.
“A Place of Miracles” highlights one of Afghanistan’s most remarkable reconstruction success stories involving unique partnership–two international development agencies–the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and La Chaine de l’Espoir, and two governments–the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and France. This strategic collaboration which evolved into French Medical Institute for Children has enabled children’s lives to be saved that might have otherwise been lost.
“Uplifting rendition of what people and organizations can do. Humanity at its best,” is a review from a reader.
About the Author: Lee Hilling, a native of Ohio, has been Chairman of FMIC’s governing body since 2006 and has travelled to Afghanistan nearly sixty times.
http://afghanistantimes.af/book-a-place ... -launched/
KABUL: Lee Hilling, the author of “A Place of Miracles”, one of the top ten best-selling, self-publishing books, formally launched his book in here at the Government Media and Information Center (GMIC).
According to a press release issued here by French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) the launch of book was attended by Minister of Economy, Abdul Sattar Murad, Afghan and French governments’ officials, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), La Chaine de l’Espoir, France, representatives of international and civil society organizations, writers and media-persons.
“A Place of Miracles” highlights one of Afghanistan’s most remarkable reconstruction success stories involving unique partnership–two international development agencies–the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and La Chaine de l’Espoir, and two governments–the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and France. This strategic collaboration which evolved into French Medical Institute for Children has enabled children’s lives to be saved that might have otherwise been lost.
“Uplifting rendition of what people and organizations can do. Humanity at its best,” is a review from a reader.
About the Author: Lee Hilling, a native of Ohio, has been Chairman of FMIC’s governing body since 2006 and has travelled to Afghanistan nearly sixty times.
http://afghanistantimes.af/book-a-place ... -launched/
AKDN Statement at the the sixth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan delivered by Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani, AKDN Diplomatic Representative, Afghanistan.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1356/
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1356/
First Class of Nurses Graduates in Faizabad, Afghanistan
Faizabad, Badakhshan, 23 September 2015 - Sixty-one students were awarded the General Nursing Diploma at a graduation ceremony in Faizabad, Badakhshan.
The ceremony marked a milestone: the graduation of the first class of nurses from a programme run in Faizabad and managed by the Badakhshan Provincial Public Health Directorate and Badakhshan Institute of Health Sciences, with technical support and advice from the Aga Khan University’s Programmes in Afghanistan.
The 61 graduates, 47 of whom are women, will contribute significantly to strengthening nursing services, particularly for mothers and children. The three-year course was conducted in an academically stimulating environment with well-equipped teaching and learning facilities including classrooms, clinical skills and computer laboratories, a library and hostel facilities. Eight nursing teachers, five women and three men, trained in effective teaching and learning methods, taught the programme. It is expected that in late 2015, another 50 students will be enrolled in the diploma programme.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1359
Faizabad, Badakhshan, 23 September 2015 - Sixty-one students were awarded the General Nursing Diploma at a graduation ceremony in Faizabad, Badakhshan.
The ceremony marked a milestone: the graduation of the first class of nurses from a programme run in Faizabad and managed by the Badakhshan Provincial Public Health Directorate and Badakhshan Institute of Health Sciences, with technical support and advice from the Aga Khan University’s Programmes in Afghanistan.
The 61 graduates, 47 of whom are women, will contribute significantly to strengthening nursing services, particularly for mothers and children. The three-year course was conducted in an academically stimulating environment with well-equipped teaching and learning facilities including classrooms, clinical skills and computer laboratories, a library and hostel facilities. Eight nursing teachers, five women and three men, trained in effective teaching and learning methods, taught the programme. It is expected that in late 2015, another 50 students will be enrolled in the diploma programme.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1359
Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani’s Statement at Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process Fifth Ministerial Conference
Delivered by Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani, Diplomatic Representative of His Highness the Aga Khan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Honorable Co-Chairs
Excellencies
On behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for hosting the Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) and for the gracious hospitality extended to us. AKDN is honoured to participate in this important regional initiative.
AKDN is a long-standing partner to the peoples and Government of Afghanistan, to the peoples and Government of Pakistan, and indeed to the peoples and governments of the region. We are honored to be a supporting organization of the HoA-IP since its inception in 2011.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1381
Delivered by Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani, Diplomatic Representative of His Highness the Aga Khan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Honorable Co-Chairs
Excellencies
On behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for hosting the Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) and for the gracious hospitality extended to us. AKDN is honoured to participate in this important regional initiative.
AKDN is a long-standing partner to the peoples and Government of Afghanistan, to the peoples and Government of Pakistan, and indeed to the peoples and governments of the region. We are honored to be a supporting organization of the HoA-IP since its inception in 2011.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1381
https://www.khaama.com/canadian-and-aga ... vince-0534
Canadian and Aga Khan envoys pledge continued support to Bamyan province
By Khaama Press - Mon Apr 04 2016, 10:10 am
The Canadian and Aga Khan Development Network envoys have pledged continued support to the central Bamyan province of Afghanistan.
The two envoys reaffirmed commitments during a visit to the central Bamyan province where they met with the local officials including provincial governor Mohammad Tahir Zahir.
According to the provincial government media office, the Canadian Ambassador Deborah Lyons and the ambassador of his highness prince Karim Aga Khan to Afghanistan Nurjehan Mawani discussed development projects in Bamyan province with the local officials.
Lyons said their visit to Bamyan province was focused on review of development projects in this province including construction of Bamyan hospital, discussions on priorities of Bamyan provincial government and continued development projects in this province.
Hailing the Bamyan leadership for their commitment to development projects in Bamyan, Lyons reaffirmed support to cooperate in development projects in this province, promising that she will pass the message to other development partners.
Meanwhile, the Aga Khan ambassador to Afghanistan Nurjehan Mawani explained regarding the Aga Khan Development Network’s projects in Bamyan province.
She mainly focused on the construction of Mullah Ghulam and allocation of land for the installation of solar power in a bid to help the work of the hospital.
Canadian and Aga Khan envoys pledge continued support to Bamyan province
By Khaama Press - Mon Apr 04 2016, 10:10 am
The Canadian and Aga Khan Development Network envoys have pledged continued support to the central Bamyan province of Afghanistan.
The two envoys reaffirmed commitments during a visit to the central Bamyan province where they met with the local officials including provincial governor Mohammad Tahir Zahir.
According to the provincial government media office, the Canadian Ambassador Deborah Lyons and the ambassador of his highness prince Karim Aga Khan to Afghanistan Nurjehan Mawani discussed development projects in Bamyan province with the local officials.
Lyons said their visit to Bamyan province was focused on review of development projects in this province including construction of Bamyan hospital, discussions on priorities of Bamyan provincial government and continued development projects in this province.
Hailing the Bamyan leadership for their commitment to development projects in Bamyan, Lyons reaffirmed support to cooperate in development projects in this province, promising that she will pass the message to other development partners.
Meanwhile, the Aga Khan ambassador to Afghanistan Nurjehan Mawani explained regarding the Aga Khan Development Network’s projects in Bamyan province.
She mainly focused on the construction of Mullah Ghulam and allocation of land for the installation of solar power in a bid to help the work of the hospital.
6 specialist doctors graduate from FMIC Postgraduate Medical Education Programme, Kabul
The first six specialist doctors to graduate from the French Medical Institute for Children’s Postgraduate Medical Education Programme have been awarded certificates of specialization today by Dr Ferozuddin Feroz, Minister of Public Health and the Professor Farhat Abbas, Dean of Aga Khan University Medical College at a PGME Graduation Ceremony. The funding of PGME programme is provided by the Government of Canada.
/ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/04/11/6-specialist-doctors-graduate-from-fmic-postgraduate-medical-education-programme-kabul/
The first six specialist doctors to graduate from the French Medical Institute for Children’s Postgraduate Medical Education Programme have been awarded certificates of specialization today by Dr Ferozuddin Feroz, Minister of Public Health and the Professor Farhat Abbas, Dean of Aga Khan University Medical College at a PGME Graduation Ceremony. The funding of PGME programme is provided by the Government of Canada.
/ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/04/11/6-specialist-doctors-graduate-from-fmic-postgraduate-medical-education-programme-kabul/
New education facilities open in Kunduz
The Afghan-German cooperation handed over three newly constructed buildings to the local government in Kunduz province: two schools in Dashti Archi and Chardara districts, and a new teacher training college in Imam-Sahib district.
Built at a total cost of about AFN 87mn, the facilities are funded by the German government via the Stabilization Program for Northern Afghanistan (SPNA).
.....
SPNA is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, managed by KfW Development Bank, and implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation, in partnership with Mercy Corps and ACTED.
http://wadsam.com/afghan-business-news/ ... unduz-122/
The Afghan-German cooperation handed over three newly constructed buildings to the local government in Kunduz province: two schools in Dashti Archi and Chardara districts, and a new teacher training college in Imam-Sahib district.
Built at a total cost of about AFN 87mn, the facilities are funded by the German government via the Stabilization Program for Northern Afghanistan (SPNA).
.....
SPNA is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, managed by KfW Development Bank, and implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation, in partnership with Mercy Corps and ACTED.
http://wadsam.com/afghan-business-news/ ... unduz-122/
New hospital for 30,000 people in Takhar
http://wadsam.com/afghan-business-news/ ... akhar-232/
New hospital for 30,000 people in Takhar
in Afghan Business
03 Aug, 2016 by Wadsam
A newly constructed Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC) in Takhar’s Khaja-Bahauddin district was officially handed over to the province’s Department of Public Health (DoPH) on Monday.
The new hospital will provide health care services to approximately 30,000 people living in the district. Every day, around 70 – 120 patients are expected to be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
The new hospital building consists of patients’ rooms for women and men, a laboratory and a pharmacy. Additionally, it has a vaccination room and separate staff rooms for female and male employees.
The facility was built and furnished at a total cost of roughly AFN 21 million, funded by the German government via the Stabilization Program for Northern Afghanistan (SPNA).
Before the opening of Khaja-Bahauddin’s CHC, the district’s inhabitants did not have proper access to health facilities. Those who could afford would make a trip to the provincial hospital in Taloqan or to neighboring districts’ health centers. However, they faced several challenges. Bad or blocked roads and poor weather conditions sometimes made it impossible for people to reach the health facilities in time.
“Today we are taking over a project that is crucial for improving people’s access to medical services. It will improve the quality of life – not only for the people from Khaja-Bahauddin, but also from neighbouring districts, which will use the hospital as well”, Dr Hafizullah Safi, Director of Takhar’s Public Health Department said during the ceremony.
The inauguration event was attended by the Director of Sectoral Services, Mustafa Rasooly, representatives of the Afghan-German Cooperation, representatives of the implementing organisation (Aga Khan Foundation), the head of Takhar’s line departments, elders of the district as well as doctors and members of the health council.
Khaja-Bahauddin’s District Development Assembly (DDA) and the DoPH jointly decided to build this hospital based on the District Development Plan (DDP). The German government’s Stabilization Program for Northern Afghanistan (SPNA) provided support for implementing this project.
The program SPNA is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, managed by KfW Development Bank and implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation in partnership with the non-governmental organisation Mercy Corps and the French Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED). The entire program’s budget amounts to more than AFN 7 billion for the period from 2010 to 2018, targeting the Northern provinces Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz and Baghlan. So far, more than 250 small and medium sized infrastructure projects (most of them educational infrastructure) have been funded in 57 districts. In Takhar alone, 76 projects have been accomplished in 13 districts, including the provincial capital Taloqan.
New hospital for 30,000 people in Takhar
in Afghan Business
03 Aug, 2016 by Wadsam
A newly constructed Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC) in Takhar’s Khaja-Bahauddin district was officially handed over to the province’s Department of Public Health (DoPH) on Monday.
The new hospital will provide health care services to approximately 30,000 people living in the district. Every day, around 70 – 120 patients are expected to be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
The new hospital building consists of patients’ rooms for women and men, a laboratory and a pharmacy. Additionally, it has a vaccination room and separate staff rooms for female and male employees.
The facility was built and furnished at a total cost of roughly AFN 21 million, funded by the German government via the Stabilization Program for Northern Afghanistan (SPNA).
Before the opening of Khaja-Bahauddin’s CHC, the district’s inhabitants did not have proper access to health facilities. Those who could afford would make a trip to the provincial hospital in Taloqan or to neighboring districts’ health centers. However, they faced several challenges. Bad or blocked roads and poor weather conditions sometimes made it impossible for people to reach the health facilities in time.
“Today we are taking over a project that is crucial for improving people’s access to medical services. It will improve the quality of life – not only for the people from Khaja-Bahauddin, but also from neighbouring districts, which will use the hospital as well”, Dr Hafizullah Safi, Director of Takhar’s Public Health Department said during the ceremony.
The inauguration event was attended by the Director of Sectoral Services, Mustafa Rasooly, representatives of the Afghan-German Cooperation, representatives of the implementing organisation (Aga Khan Foundation), the head of Takhar’s line departments, elders of the district as well as doctors and members of the health council.
Khaja-Bahauddin’s District Development Assembly (DDA) and the DoPH jointly decided to build this hospital based on the District Development Plan (DDP). The German government’s Stabilization Program for Northern Afghanistan (SPNA) provided support for implementing this project.
The program SPNA is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, managed by KfW Development Bank and implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation in partnership with the non-governmental organisation Mercy Corps and the French Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED). The entire program’s budget amounts to more than AFN 7 billion for the period from 2010 to 2018, targeting the Northern provinces Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz and Baghlan. So far, more than 250 small and medium sized infrastructure projects (most of them educational infrastructure) have been funded in 57 districts. In Takhar alone, 76 projects have been accomplished in 13 districts, including the provincial capital Taloqan.
FMIC celebrates 10th year of saving lives in Afghanistan
KABUL: The French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC) celebrated its 10th anniversary at a ceremony on Thursday (November 3rd), marking a decade of easing a nearly 800,000 patients with quality products across Afghanistan.
FMIC is the first hospital to perform open and closed pediatric heart surgeries in Afghanistan and built a reputation as the country’s foremost children’s hospital.
“It’s the spirit of innovation and collaboration – the relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible – that has made FMIC one of the leading hospitals in Afghanistan,” said chief guest Dr. Ferozuddin Feroz, Minister of Public Health, as quoted in a press release issued by FMIC press office.
FMIC is the product of an innovative public-private partnership between the Governments of Afghanistan and France, the French NGO La Chaine de L’Espoir/Enfants Afghans and the Aga Khan Development Network. It is managed by the Aga Khan University.
During the ceremony, congratulatory messages of the Chief Executive, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and the first lady Rula Ghani were read-out by Dr. Habiba Sarabi, Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive on Women and Youth Affairs and Zohra Yousuf from the office of the first lady.
“FMIC’s 10th anniversary gives the four partners an opportunity to pause and reflect on the significant impact the hospital has had on the country’s healthcare system,” said the Chairman of FMIC’s Provisional Operating Committee Lee Hilling, who recently published a book on FMIC, A Place of Miracles: The Story of a Children’s Hospital in Kabul and the People Whose Lives Have Been Changed by It. “It appears in the way we care for patients, the way we treat illnesses, the community we serve, and the future leaders we train,” he added.
“Since it opened its doors in 2006, FMIC has offered new hope to children by providing treatment previously only available abroad, achieving a number of firsts in the process,” said François Richier, Ambassador of France to Afghanistan.
To date more than 2,300 children have undergone cardiac surgery at the hospital, and in 2015 FMIC began to perform adult heart surgery. Last year, FMIC became the first hospital in the country to successfully operate on and separate conjoined twins with an all-Afghan team.
According to the press release, over the next few days, there will be several events to showcase FMIC’s role in advancing quality in healthcare systems and medical education. These include a Quality and Patient Safety conference, and the opening of a separate clinic area for adults in specific much needed specialties, a step towards FMIC’s eventual transformation into a tertiary care hospital. La Chaine de L’Espoir Children’s Pavilion, a home for sick children being treated at FMIC and their families, will also be inaugurated.
“The hospital’s impact extends far beyond Kabul. Its e-health system allows hospitals serving Bamyan, Badakhshan and Kandahar provinces to consult with FMIC. So far over 20,000 patients have benefited from these tele-consultations,” the press release added, saying FMIC is committed to serving the country’s poorest through its welfare problem. To date it has provided care worth more than US$ 25 million without charge to patients who could not afford it.
The celebratory event was attended by ministers, government representatives, diplomats, members of donor agencies and civil society, heads of Aga Khan Development Network agencies and FMIC staff members.
The Kabul Times
http://thekabultimes.gov.af/index.php/n ... istan.html
KABUL: The French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC) celebrated its 10th anniversary at a ceremony on Thursday (November 3rd), marking a decade of easing a nearly 800,000 patients with quality products across Afghanistan.
FMIC is the first hospital to perform open and closed pediatric heart surgeries in Afghanistan and built a reputation as the country’s foremost children’s hospital.
“It’s the spirit of innovation and collaboration – the relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible – that has made FMIC one of the leading hospitals in Afghanistan,” said chief guest Dr. Ferozuddin Feroz, Minister of Public Health, as quoted in a press release issued by FMIC press office.
FMIC is the product of an innovative public-private partnership between the Governments of Afghanistan and France, the French NGO La Chaine de L’Espoir/Enfants Afghans and the Aga Khan Development Network. It is managed by the Aga Khan University.
During the ceremony, congratulatory messages of the Chief Executive, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and the first lady Rula Ghani were read-out by Dr. Habiba Sarabi, Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive on Women and Youth Affairs and Zohra Yousuf from the office of the first lady.
“FMIC’s 10th anniversary gives the four partners an opportunity to pause and reflect on the significant impact the hospital has had on the country’s healthcare system,” said the Chairman of FMIC’s Provisional Operating Committee Lee Hilling, who recently published a book on FMIC, A Place of Miracles: The Story of a Children’s Hospital in Kabul and the People Whose Lives Have Been Changed by It. “It appears in the way we care for patients, the way we treat illnesses, the community we serve, and the future leaders we train,” he added.
“Since it opened its doors in 2006, FMIC has offered new hope to children by providing treatment previously only available abroad, achieving a number of firsts in the process,” said François Richier, Ambassador of France to Afghanistan.
To date more than 2,300 children have undergone cardiac surgery at the hospital, and in 2015 FMIC began to perform adult heart surgery. Last year, FMIC became the first hospital in the country to successfully operate on and separate conjoined twins with an all-Afghan team.
According to the press release, over the next few days, there will be several events to showcase FMIC’s role in advancing quality in healthcare systems and medical education. These include a Quality and Patient Safety conference, and the opening of a separate clinic area for adults in specific much needed specialties, a step towards FMIC’s eventual transformation into a tertiary care hospital. La Chaine de L’Espoir Children’s Pavilion, a home for sick children being treated at FMIC and their families, will also be inaugurated.
“The hospital’s impact extends far beyond Kabul. Its e-health system allows hospitals serving Bamyan, Badakhshan and Kandahar provinces to consult with FMIC. So far over 20,000 patients have benefited from these tele-consultations,” the press release added, saying FMIC is committed to serving the country’s poorest through its welfare problem. To date it has provided care worth more than US$ 25 million without charge to patients who could not afford it.
The celebratory event was attended by ministers, government representatives, diplomats, members of donor agencies and civil society, heads of Aga Khan Development Network agencies and FMIC staff members.
The Kabul Times
http://thekabultimes.gov.af/index.php/n ... istan.html
Improving lives in one of the harshest environments in the world
Posted on 24 January 2017
The quality of life for people living in one of the harshest regions in Afghanistan has significantly improved following the implementation of a community-led programme, an evaluative study by the University of York has revealed.
Women in Badakhshan, Afghanistan
Over a 10-year period, communities in Badakhshan consistently reported that their quality of life has improved, with women in particular benefitting from improved access to education and health.
In early 2000 girls were largely unable to access education in the province, since then attendance by girls has increased by 94 per cent.
More than a decade ago the number of midwives in the region was less than six, today the province has 164 midwives, 105 nurses and 80 community nurses.
Researchers said the Aga Khan Development Network’s Multi-Input Area Development (MIAD) programme had delivered real impact and could be used as a blueprint for other countries affected by natural disasters and civil unrest.
Badakhshan is one of the poorest provinces in one of the poorest countries in the world – prone to natural disasters, civil instability and violence.
The majority of the 1.1 million population live in rural areas and engage in small-scale agriculture, raise livestock and carry out some non-farming activities.
The MIAD programme adopted a “holistic” approach with community leaders empowered to make decisions based on what was best for the whole community.
Resources and effort was concentrated in a defined geographical area which ultimately led to community driven development.
Between 2004-2014 there has been almost US$140m invested into MIAD in Badakhshan concentrating on areas such as education, health, rural infrastructure, natural resource management and private sector investment.
Dr Jo Rose, Associate Lecturer in Humanitarian Response at the University’s Department of Health Sciences, led the evaluative study.
She said: “Despite an increase in insecurity and violence in the area in the past 10 years people still perceive their lives as being better than before.
“This programme was about empowering communities and helping them to become resilient. The starting point has always been ‘what is your quality of life like today? And what do we need to do to improve your quality of life as a community.’
"The programmes weren’t delivered in isolation; it has all been driven from the ideas and decision making of the communities themselves.
“They make the decisions in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network and they deliver them jointly. But it is very much owned by the local community.”
Dr Rose added: “This framework could work in other areas, particularly where you have chronic complex emergencies where traditional humanitarian frameworks have not effectively delivered resilient communities.”
https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/ ... ing-lives/
Posted on 24 January 2017
The quality of life for people living in one of the harshest regions in Afghanistan has significantly improved following the implementation of a community-led programme, an evaluative study by the University of York has revealed.
Women in Badakhshan, Afghanistan
Over a 10-year period, communities in Badakhshan consistently reported that their quality of life has improved, with women in particular benefitting from improved access to education and health.
In early 2000 girls were largely unable to access education in the province, since then attendance by girls has increased by 94 per cent.
More than a decade ago the number of midwives in the region was less than six, today the province has 164 midwives, 105 nurses and 80 community nurses.
Researchers said the Aga Khan Development Network’s Multi-Input Area Development (MIAD) programme had delivered real impact and could be used as a blueprint for other countries affected by natural disasters and civil unrest.
Badakhshan is one of the poorest provinces in one of the poorest countries in the world – prone to natural disasters, civil instability and violence.
The majority of the 1.1 million population live in rural areas and engage in small-scale agriculture, raise livestock and carry out some non-farming activities.
The MIAD programme adopted a “holistic” approach with community leaders empowered to make decisions based on what was best for the whole community.
Resources and effort was concentrated in a defined geographical area which ultimately led to community driven development.
Between 2004-2014 there has been almost US$140m invested into MIAD in Badakhshan concentrating on areas such as education, health, rural infrastructure, natural resource management and private sector investment.
Dr Jo Rose, Associate Lecturer in Humanitarian Response at the University’s Department of Health Sciences, led the evaluative study.
She said: “Despite an increase in insecurity and violence in the area in the past 10 years people still perceive their lives as being better than before.
“This programme was about empowering communities and helping them to become resilient. The starting point has always been ‘what is your quality of life like today? And what do we need to do to improve your quality of life as a community.’
"The programmes weren’t delivered in isolation; it has all been driven from the ideas and decision making of the communities themselves.
“They make the decisions in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network and they deliver them jointly. But it is very much owned by the local community.”
Dr Rose added: “This framework could work in other areas, particularly where you have chronic complex emergencies where traditional humanitarian frameworks have not effectively delivered resilient communities.”
https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/ ... ing-lives/
40 damaged schools rehabilitated in Kunduz
KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Forty schools that were destroyed during recent clashes in northern Kunduz province have been rehabilitated and put into service, officials said on Monday.
Mohammad Rustam Ahmadi, acting educationinfo-icon director, told a news conference here that tables, chairs and walls of 40 schools which were earlier damaged had been repaired and the schools prepared for operating.
He said the rehabilitation works cost 40.3 million afghanis provided by the Ministry of Education and the Aga Khan Foundation.
“The schools repaired are both for girls and boys. The structures were destroyed in clashes during the past one and a half years. They are now fully rehabilitated and ready for usage.” He asked security forces not to allow insurgents again destroy schools and deprive children of education.
Governor Asadullah Amarkhel, who was present at the press conference, said his administration gave more importance to education and efforts were in place to avoid destruction of schools again by insurgents.
He expressed happiness over reconstructioninfo-icon of the damaged schools, saying it was pleasing that children had resumed going to school.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2017/02/06/40 ... ted-kunduz
KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Forty schools that were destroyed during recent clashes in northern Kunduz province have been rehabilitated and put into service, officials said on Monday.
Mohammad Rustam Ahmadi, acting educationinfo-icon director, told a news conference here that tables, chairs and walls of 40 schools which were earlier damaged had been repaired and the schools prepared for operating.
He said the rehabilitation works cost 40.3 million afghanis provided by the Ministry of Education and the Aga Khan Foundation.
“The schools repaired are both for girls and boys. The structures were destroyed in clashes during the past one and a half years. They are now fully rehabilitated and ready for usage.” He asked security forces not to allow insurgents again destroy schools and deprive children of education.
Governor Asadullah Amarkhel, who was present at the press conference, said his administration gave more importance to education and efforts were in place to avoid destruction of schools again by insurgents.
He expressed happiness over reconstructioninfo-icon of the damaged schools, saying it was pleasing that children had resumed going to school.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2017/02/06/40 ... ted-kunduz
14 doctors graduate by completing trainings with Aga Khan Development Network
A group of fourteen doctors graduated after completing trainings in seven different areas with the Aga Khan Development Network.
The Office of the President, ARG Palace, said President Ghani met with the graduated doctors after they completing their trainings in the French Medical Institute and the Aga Khan University and Hospital Karachi.
The doctors completed their training with the financial support of the government of France, a statement by ARG Palace said.
President Ghani expressed optimisms regarding the graduation of the doctors and said the trainings they have received will help in offering better health services which were not available in the country before.
He urged the fresh graduates to hold a meeting with his health adviser in a bid to arrange further trainings or job opportunities.
According to President Ghani, the construction of a standard hospital by the Aga Khan Development Network will further help the new graduates and other doctors to have better work opportunities.
In his turn, the head of the French Medical Institute in Kabul Dr. Abdullah Fahim said the hospital is well equipped to provide health services for heart and eye patients as the hospital has grown from its preliminary phase to a medium state.
http://www.khaama.com/14-doctors-gradua ... tion-02377
A group of fourteen doctors graduated after completing trainings in seven different areas with the Aga Khan Development Network.
The Office of the President, ARG Palace, said President Ghani met with the graduated doctors after they completing their trainings in the French Medical Institute and the Aga Khan University and Hospital Karachi.
The doctors completed their training with the financial support of the government of France, a statement by ARG Palace said.
President Ghani expressed optimisms regarding the graduation of the doctors and said the trainings they have received will help in offering better health services which were not available in the country before.
He urged the fresh graduates to hold a meeting with his health adviser in a bid to arrange further trainings or job opportunities.
According to President Ghani, the construction of a standard hospital by the Aga Khan Development Network will further help the new graduates and other doctors to have better work opportunities.
In his turn, the head of the French Medical Institute in Kabul Dr. Abdullah Fahim said the hospital is well equipped to provide health services for heart and eye patients as the hospital has grown from its preliminary phase to a medium state.
http://www.khaama.com/14-doctors-gradua ... tion-02377
http://www.khaama.com/princess-zahra-ag ... stan-02641
Princess Zahra Aga Khan reaffirms continued AKDN support to Afghanistan
By Khaama Press - Mon Apr 24 2017, 5:18 pm
Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the daughter of Prince Karim Aga Khan met with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in ARG Palace today and reaffirmed continued support to the Aga Khan Development Network to Afghanistan.
According to the informed sources, Princess Zahra, the head of the social welfare of the Aga Khan Development Network, was accompanied by a delegation of the network during her visit to ARG Palace.
The sources further added that President Ghani hailed the Aga Khan Development for its services in Afghanistan, specifically in the reconstruction and restoration of the country the historic sites including the Chelsitoon park.
Pointing towards AKDN’s rich experience in the rehabilitation and restoration of the historic sites, President Ghani urged the network to assist the Afghan students with the training in this sector.
The First Lady of Afghanistan Rola Ghani also emphasized on the importance of AKDN’s role in supporting the Afghan women in healthcare, education, and access to justice.
In her turn, Princess Zahra reaffirmed continued support of AKDN to Afghanistan and said the main purpose of her visit to Afghanistan is to inaugurate the Telemedicine hospital in Bamyan besides visiting the project sites where rehabilitation of the historic sites are underway.
She also added that the one of the purposes of her visit to Afghanistan is to also seek opportunities available for further cooperation in other sectors.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan reaffirms continued AKDN support to Afghanistan
By Khaama Press - Mon Apr 24 2017, 5:18 pm
Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the daughter of Prince Karim Aga Khan met with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in ARG Palace today and reaffirmed continued support to the Aga Khan Development Network to Afghanistan.
According to the informed sources, Princess Zahra, the head of the social welfare of the Aga Khan Development Network, was accompanied by a delegation of the network during her visit to ARG Palace.
The sources further added that President Ghani hailed the Aga Khan Development for its services in Afghanistan, specifically in the reconstruction and restoration of the country the historic sites including the Chelsitoon park.
Pointing towards AKDN’s rich experience in the rehabilitation and restoration of the historic sites, President Ghani urged the network to assist the Afghan students with the training in this sector.
The First Lady of Afghanistan Rola Ghani also emphasized on the importance of AKDN’s role in supporting the Afghan women in healthcare, education, and access to justice.
In her turn, Princess Zahra reaffirmed continued support of AKDN to Afghanistan and said the main purpose of her visit to Afghanistan is to inaugurate the Telemedicine hospital in Bamyan besides visiting the project sites where rehabilitation of the historic sites are underway.
She also added that the one of the purposes of her visit to Afghanistan is to also seek opportunities available for further cooperation in other sectors.
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/new-h ... n-province
New hospital facility brings world-class healthcare to Afghanistan’s Bamyan Province
Bamyan, Afghanistan, 24 April 2017 – His Excellency the Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan inaugurated a US $22.8 million hospital today that will serve the people of Bamyan.
The state-of-the-art 141-bed facility places particular emphasis on the needs of women and children, and represents a new chapter for the Bamyan Provincial Hospital.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Vice-President Danesh said: “It is my deep hope that this new hospital with its expanded facilities will be a role model for health facilities in Afghanistan and will provide essential healthcare to the people of Bamyan and the neighbouring provinces.”
The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) began operating the Bamyan Hospital in 2004. At that time, the Hospital had only 35 beds – 15 of which were housed in a tent. Medical staff struggled to meet the needs of the population.
As part of a public-private partnership with the Government of Afghanistan, AKHS undertook the challenge of upgrading the hospital. The old facility was expanded to 100 beds, and new equipment was installed. Training was provided to staff and a steady supply of medicines was stocked.
The impact was remarkable: admissions rose from 1,900 in 2004 to more than 11,000 in 2016; outpatient attendances increased from 43,000 to 175,000; deliveries from 100 to more than 3,000 and the number of major operations from 150 to more than 600.
“I also am very supportive of the innovative approach for the country that Aga Khan Health Services will implement in the not too distant future in Bamyan and other hospitals that it supports,” said Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, His Excellency Dr Feruzuddin Feroz. “The innovation is setting a fee for non-essential health services -- that is, those not in the basic package of health services and the essential package of hospital services. The fee will be ploughed back into the hospitals to help pay for the running costs.”
In response to the clear need for a purpose-built facility, the Bamyan Provincial Government allocated 6.4 acres of land on the outskirts of the town. The new hospital was built by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, which specialises in ecologically friendly and seismic resistant construction. Over half of the facility’s power is supplied by solar panels located on a hilltop behind the hospital.
The Governor of Bamyan Province, His Excellency Mohammad Tahir Zahir, remarked that AKHS has been uprading the Hospital since 2004 and that it was now “a state of the art hospital”. He continued with the proposal “to make this hospital a regional one that serves five more provinces.”
The construction of the new facility was funded by the Government of Canada (US $17 million), the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (US $3.2 million) and the Government of France (US $2.3 million). The hospital’s operations continue to be principally funded by the Aga Khan Health Services; since 2004, this funding has amounted to over US $15 million.
“I know that all of you share Canada’s deep belief that access to quality health care for all the citizens of this vast country of Afghanistan is one of the most important building blocks for a better future,” said Canadian Ambassador His Excellency Kenneth Neufeld. “We can see here in front of us a model of quality sustainable health care which can reach offer first-class health solutions to remote areas and under-served segments of the population. I know too that you share Canada’s deep commitment to ensuring that the rights of women and children to equal access to health care are achieved. “
“France is proud of being a partner in such an achievement,” said His Excellency the Ambassador of France, Mr. François Richier. “I am convinced that the Bamyan Provincial Hospital will bring a major contribution in the well-being and future of the people of the city and the province.”
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has been active in Bamyan since 2003. The upgrading of the hospital is part of the AKDN’s broad contribution to the improvement of health services in Afghanistan, which include the upgrading of health facilities, the training of nurses, midwives and doctors, and wider support for the delivery of quality health services and the rebuilding of the country’s health infrastructure.
The Bamyan Provincial Hospital and the Faizabad Provincial Hospital in Badakhshan (also operated by AKHS), are the only provincial hospitals in the country to have received ISO-9001 certification. The French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children in Kabul is managed by the Aga Khan University, having been established through a public-private partnership with the governments of France and Afghanistan, the Aga Khan Development Network and the French NGO La Chaîne de L’Espoir.
Earlier in the day, Princess Zahra Aga Khan met with His Excellency President Ashraf Ghani and Her Excellency First Lady Rula Ghani, His Excellency Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah, His Excellency Second Vice President Sarwar Danesh, and His Excellency Governor of Bamyan Mohammad Tahir Zahir.
The Aga Khan Development Network has been committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan since the beginning of this century, having channelled close to a billion dollars towards the country’s development.
“Through investments in the private sector – telecommunications, hospitality, tourism and microfinance – as well as concurrent investments in the social and cultural sector, including health systems strengthening; health professionals training including post-graduate medical education and diploma level nursing through the Aga Khan University; primary, secondary education and adult literacy programmes; facilitating village community organisations; the restoration of the Bagh-e-Babur gardens and the urban environment around it,” noted Princess Zahra, “the AKDN seeks to harness and influence the various dimensions of human life such that, together, they chart a course for growth while building social protection.”
For more information, please contact:
Malohat Shoinbodova
Communications Advisor
AKDN Afghanistan
malohat.shoinbodova@akdn.org
New hospital facility brings world-class healthcare to Afghanistan’s Bamyan Province
Bamyan, Afghanistan, 24 April 2017 – His Excellency the Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan inaugurated a US $22.8 million hospital today that will serve the people of Bamyan.
The state-of-the-art 141-bed facility places particular emphasis on the needs of women and children, and represents a new chapter for the Bamyan Provincial Hospital.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Vice-President Danesh said: “It is my deep hope that this new hospital with its expanded facilities will be a role model for health facilities in Afghanistan and will provide essential healthcare to the people of Bamyan and the neighbouring provinces.”
The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) began operating the Bamyan Hospital in 2004. At that time, the Hospital had only 35 beds – 15 of which were housed in a tent. Medical staff struggled to meet the needs of the population.
As part of a public-private partnership with the Government of Afghanistan, AKHS undertook the challenge of upgrading the hospital. The old facility was expanded to 100 beds, and new equipment was installed. Training was provided to staff and a steady supply of medicines was stocked.
The impact was remarkable: admissions rose from 1,900 in 2004 to more than 11,000 in 2016; outpatient attendances increased from 43,000 to 175,000; deliveries from 100 to more than 3,000 and the number of major operations from 150 to more than 600.
“I also am very supportive of the innovative approach for the country that Aga Khan Health Services will implement in the not too distant future in Bamyan and other hospitals that it supports,” said Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, His Excellency Dr Feruzuddin Feroz. “The innovation is setting a fee for non-essential health services -- that is, those not in the basic package of health services and the essential package of hospital services. The fee will be ploughed back into the hospitals to help pay for the running costs.”
In response to the clear need for a purpose-built facility, the Bamyan Provincial Government allocated 6.4 acres of land on the outskirts of the town. The new hospital was built by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, which specialises in ecologically friendly and seismic resistant construction. Over half of the facility’s power is supplied by solar panels located on a hilltop behind the hospital.
The Governor of Bamyan Province, His Excellency Mohammad Tahir Zahir, remarked that AKHS has been uprading the Hospital since 2004 and that it was now “a state of the art hospital”. He continued with the proposal “to make this hospital a regional one that serves five more provinces.”
The construction of the new facility was funded by the Government of Canada (US $17 million), the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (US $3.2 million) and the Government of France (US $2.3 million). The hospital’s operations continue to be principally funded by the Aga Khan Health Services; since 2004, this funding has amounted to over US $15 million.
“I know that all of you share Canada’s deep belief that access to quality health care for all the citizens of this vast country of Afghanistan is one of the most important building blocks for a better future,” said Canadian Ambassador His Excellency Kenneth Neufeld. “We can see here in front of us a model of quality sustainable health care which can reach offer first-class health solutions to remote areas and under-served segments of the population. I know too that you share Canada’s deep commitment to ensuring that the rights of women and children to equal access to health care are achieved. “
“France is proud of being a partner in such an achievement,” said His Excellency the Ambassador of France, Mr. François Richier. “I am convinced that the Bamyan Provincial Hospital will bring a major contribution in the well-being and future of the people of the city and the province.”
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has been active in Bamyan since 2003. The upgrading of the hospital is part of the AKDN’s broad contribution to the improvement of health services in Afghanistan, which include the upgrading of health facilities, the training of nurses, midwives and doctors, and wider support for the delivery of quality health services and the rebuilding of the country’s health infrastructure.
The Bamyan Provincial Hospital and the Faizabad Provincial Hospital in Badakhshan (also operated by AKHS), are the only provincial hospitals in the country to have received ISO-9001 certification. The French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children in Kabul is managed by the Aga Khan University, having been established through a public-private partnership with the governments of France and Afghanistan, the Aga Khan Development Network and the French NGO La Chaîne de L’Espoir.
Earlier in the day, Princess Zahra Aga Khan met with His Excellency President Ashraf Ghani and Her Excellency First Lady Rula Ghani, His Excellency Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah, His Excellency Second Vice President Sarwar Danesh, and His Excellency Governor of Bamyan Mohammad Tahir Zahir.
The Aga Khan Development Network has been committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan since the beginning of this century, having channelled close to a billion dollars towards the country’s development.
“Through investments in the private sector – telecommunications, hospitality, tourism and microfinance – as well as concurrent investments in the social and cultural sector, including health systems strengthening; health professionals training including post-graduate medical education and diploma level nursing through the Aga Khan University; primary, secondary education and adult literacy programmes; facilitating village community organisations; the restoration of the Bagh-e-Babur gardens and the urban environment around it,” noted Princess Zahra, “the AKDN seeks to harness and influence the various dimensions of human life such that, together, they chart a course for growth while building social protection.”
For more information, please contact:
Malohat Shoinbodova
Communications Advisor
AKDN Afghanistan
malohat.shoinbodova@akdn.org
New Bamyan Hospital a major step towards improving health of mothers and children in Afghanistan
http://www.akdn.org/speech/princess-zah ... fghanistan
24 April 2017
Bamyan, Afghanistan, 24 April 2017 — For half a million people living in the mountainous Afghan province of Bamyan, health care standards are scaling new heights.
Also see:
» AKDN coverage including press release, photos and video
» Remarks by Princess Zahra
Today, Princess Zahra and the Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh, opened a 141-bed facility for the Bamyan Provincial Hospital. With a major focus on the health of mothers and children, the facility expands the hospital’s capacity to deliver much needed services in obstetrics and gynecology, paediatrics and surgery.
“It is my deep hope that this new hospital with its expanded facilities will be a role model for health facilities in Afghanistan and will provide essential healthcare to the people of Bamyan and the neighbouring provinces,” said Vice President Danesh during the inauguration ceremony.
The facility’s opening is the latest milestone in a journey that began in 2003, when the Aga Khan Health Services assumed responsibility for operating the hospital.
“At that time health service delivery at Bamyan Hospital was provided from a 35 bed facility with 72 staff working mainly out of tents,” said Princess Zahra in her remarks at ceremony. “Major changes have occurred since then; at the old premises the hospital was upgraded and expanded, more and better qualified staff were brought in, training programmes commenced, new equipment was installed and the hospital became well-stocked with medicines and consumables.”
The impact on the people of Bamyan was enormous. Over the space of a decade, admissions grew nearly sixfold: from 1,900 in 2004 to 11,000 in 2016. The number of deliveries exploded from 100 to more than 3,000. Waiting times dropped, permitting patients to see doctors faster, and overall clinical quality improved.
“In 2012 the Bamyan Provincial Hospital received ISO-9001:2008 certification,” said Princess Zahra, “the first — and with Faizabad Hospital in Badakhshan the only Provincial Hospitals in Afghanistan — with this quality accreditation.”
But despite massive improvements over the years, some 10 per cent of the country’s children still die before the age of five. Afghan women have a 1 in 52 chance of dying due to pregnancy or childbirth. These are statistics that the Aga Khan Development Network and its partners are actively working to change.
Bamyan Hospital is part of an ISO-certified health system of four hospitals, 12 health centres and more than 125 clinics and health posts, all serviced and supported by AKDN and its partners. Many of the doctors, nurses, midwives, and other health professionals who staff these facilities are also trained by AKDN.
Over 1.6 million patients are cared for through the medical network. Furthermore, through telemedicine, they gain access to expertise from the French Medical Institue for Mothers and Children in Kabul and the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. To date, over 20,000 Afghan patients have benefited from this e-health link.
Development of the new hospital complex was led by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. It is designed to be earthquake resistant and makes use of innovative “rammed earth” construction to blend with its surroundings. It is also highly energy-efficient, with solar panels supplying more than 50 per cent of its power.
Acknowledging the planners, architects, contractors and others involved in the project, Princess Zahra also thanked the governments of Canada and France for their financial support towards the USD $22.8 million cost. Global Affairs Canada funded approximately three quarters of the total, with the balance coming from the Aga Khan Foundation Canada and the Agence Française de Développement.
“I would also like to acknowledge the thousands of Canadians who contributed to Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s fundraising efforts for the construction of the hospital,” said Princess Zahra.
She expressed “warmest gratitude” to the Afghan government, saying that AKDN “remains dedicated to working with the Government of Afghanistan and through it, to building the quality of life of its great people.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/n ... fghanistan
http://www.akdn.org/speech/princess-zah ... fghanistan
24 April 2017
Bamyan, Afghanistan, 24 April 2017 — For half a million people living in the mountainous Afghan province of Bamyan, health care standards are scaling new heights.
Also see:
» AKDN coverage including press release, photos and video
» Remarks by Princess Zahra
Today, Princess Zahra and the Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh, opened a 141-bed facility for the Bamyan Provincial Hospital. With a major focus on the health of mothers and children, the facility expands the hospital’s capacity to deliver much needed services in obstetrics and gynecology, paediatrics and surgery.
“It is my deep hope that this new hospital with its expanded facilities will be a role model for health facilities in Afghanistan and will provide essential healthcare to the people of Bamyan and the neighbouring provinces,” said Vice President Danesh during the inauguration ceremony.
The facility’s opening is the latest milestone in a journey that began in 2003, when the Aga Khan Health Services assumed responsibility for operating the hospital.
“At that time health service delivery at Bamyan Hospital was provided from a 35 bed facility with 72 staff working mainly out of tents,” said Princess Zahra in her remarks at ceremony. “Major changes have occurred since then; at the old premises the hospital was upgraded and expanded, more and better qualified staff were brought in, training programmes commenced, new equipment was installed and the hospital became well-stocked with medicines and consumables.”
The impact on the people of Bamyan was enormous. Over the space of a decade, admissions grew nearly sixfold: from 1,900 in 2004 to 11,000 in 2016. The number of deliveries exploded from 100 to more than 3,000. Waiting times dropped, permitting patients to see doctors faster, and overall clinical quality improved.
“In 2012 the Bamyan Provincial Hospital received ISO-9001:2008 certification,” said Princess Zahra, “the first — and with Faizabad Hospital in Badakhshan the only Provincial Hospitals in Afghanistan — with this quality accreditation.”
But despite massive improvements over the years, some 10 per cent of the country’s children still die before the age of five. Afghan women have a 1 in 52 chance of dying due to pregnancy or childbirth. These are statistics that the Aga Khan Development Network and its partners are actively working to change.
Bamyan Hospital is part of an ISO-certified health system of four hospitals, 12 health centres and more than 125 clinics and health posts, all serviced and supported by AKDN and its partners. Many of the doctors, nurses, midwives, and other health professionals who staff these facilities are also trained by AKDN.
Over 1.6 million patients are cared for through the medical network. Furthermore, through telemedicine, they gain access to expertise from the French Medical Institue for Mothers and Children in Kabul and the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. To date, over 20,000 Afghan patients have benefited from this e-health link.
Development of the new hospital complex was led by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. It is designed to be earthquake resistant and makes use of innovative “rammed earth” construction to blend with its surroundings. It is also highly energy-efficient, with solar panels supplying more than 50 per cent of its power.
Acknowledging the planners, architects, contractors and others involved in the project, Princess Zahra also thanked the governments of Canada and France for their financial support towards the USD $22.8 million cost. Global Affairs Canada funded approximately three quarters of the total, with the balance coming from the Aga Khan Foundation Canada and the Agence Française de Développement.
“I would also like to acknowledge the thousands of Canadians who contributed to Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s fundraising efforts for the construction of the hospital,” said Princess Zahra.
She expressed “warmest gratitude” to the Afghan government, saying that AKDN “remains dedicated to working with the Government of Afghanistan and through it, to building the quality of life of its great people.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/n ... fghanistan
http://www.akdn.org/speech/princess-zah ... fghanistan
Scroll down for Speech (Below photo)
Bamyan hospital opening, Afghanistan
Bamyan, Afghanistan, 24 April 2017 – His Excellency the Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan inaugurated a US $22.8 million hospital today that will serve the people of Bamyan.
The state-of-the-art 141-bed facility places particular emphasis on the needs of women and children, and represents a new chapter for the Bamyan Provincial Hospital.
SPEECH DELIVERED BY Princess Zahra Aga Khan
LOCATION
Bamyan, Afghanistan (24 April 2017)
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Your Excellency Second Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh,
Your Excellency Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firozuddin Firoz,
Your Excellency Minister of Public Works, Engineer Mahmoud Baligh,
Your Excellency, Governor Mohamed Tahir Zohair,
Your Excellency Ambassador Kenneth Neufeld,
Your Excellency Ambassador François Richier,
distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you, governor Zohair for your very warm welcome to Bamyan. Today is a momentous day as we open the new Bamyan Provincial Hospital. The Aga Khan Development Network started work in the Bamyan Province in 2003. At that time health service delivery at Bamyan Hospital was provided from a 35 bed facility with 72 staff working mainly out of tents. There was no Essential Package of Hospital Services, nor a Masterplan for the Hospital to guide its development, very limited equipment, medicines and consumables, and there was a great shortage of qualified health staff.
Major changes have occurred since then; at the old premises the hospital was upgraded and expanded, more and better qualified staff were brought in, training programmes commenced, new equipment was installed and the hospital became well-stocked with medicines and consumables.
The investments have had an impact: the volumes at the hospital increased and performance improved. The number of admissions went up from 1,900 in 2004 to more than11,000 in 2016, the outpatient attendances from 43,000 to 175,000, deliveries from 100 to more than 3,000, and major operations from 150 to 600.
Similarly, the hospital has seen a good reduction in waiting time for the patient to see a doctor, and in quality indicators such as the number of inpatient falls, infections acquired in the hospital during admission, medical errors and needle stick injuries and a steadily-declining average length of stay – these are all signs of improving clinical quality. In 2012 the Bamyan Provincial Hospital received ISO-9001:2008 certification, the first and with Faizabad Hospital in Badakhshan the only Provincial Hospitals in Afghanistan with this ‘quality’ accreditation.
Next to investing in infrastructure and equipment, Bamyan hospital management, supported by the community hospital board, has been able and continues to invest in training and capacity building of the now more than 200 staff, and the Aga Khan Health Services, Afghanistan with its partners pays much attention to the importance of continuing education for medical, nursing and allied health staff, as well as management and support staff.
The telemedicine or e-health link, established in 2009, also plays an important role. It creates the opportunity for the staff at Bamyan hospital to connect to the FMIC in Kabul and the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi; these extend support and advice, build capacity and enable an exchange of medical data and information for analysis. Enabling this technology to come to Bamyan has made and continues to make a significant impact to the quality improvements in health service delivery at the hospital. To date in Bamyan, more than 9,000 patients have benefitted from telemedicine and more than 4,000 Afghan medical personnel have participated in diagnostic and training opportunities facilitated by this link.
However, Bamyan Provincial Hospital became in a way victim of its own success: the old premises became too small to cope with the increasing number of patients and there was no possibility to expand further. We are grateful to be able today to officially open this well-designed and constructed141 bed hospital on this site gifted by the Bamyan municipality.
The new hospital is state of the art when it comes to functionality, but it is also designed to be highly energy efficient and structurally safe and seismically resilient. The building also has some unique architectural features – the external finishing using traditional mud construction that makes the hospital blend in so well with the natural environment by applying new innovative ‘rammed earth’ technologies to make it durable; the central Charbagh, the views of the external spaces with the wonderful views of the mountains from all corners of the building and creating a sense of being connected to nature while being inside; the art work that you see on the walls using local historical motives and the 400 KW solar plant that provides for the majority of the electrical supply of the hospital.
I want to thank all who created this beautiful facility on time and within budget; hospital planners CPG, architects ARCOP, contractors Raqim, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat construction management team, and the steering committee that judiciously oversaw the project.
I must make special mention of the important Canadian support, through Global Affairs Canada, that allowed us to build this hospital. Global Affairs Canada has been one of the AKDN's long-standing partners, supporting the establishment of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing in Pakistan some three decades ago, and now supporting so much of our work in maternal, newborn, and child health as well as health systems strengthening here in Afghanistan, and in other parts of Central and South Asia.
Phase 2 of the hospital construction, including the installation of the solar plant, was made possible through the Health Action Plan for Afghanistan or HAPA programme, that brought another longstanding collaborator of AKDN; France, through the Agence Française de Développement. Thank you, AFD.
I would also like to acknowledge the thousands of Canadians who contributed to Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s fundraising efforts for the construction of the hospital.
Let me end by expressing our warmest gratitude to all of you and especially to the Government of Afghanistan: President Ashraf Ghani, first Lady Rula Ghani and Chief Executive Dr. Abdulla Abdulla whom I met this morning, Vice President Sarwar Danesh, Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firozuddin Firoz, Minister of Public Works, Engineer Mahmoud Baligh, Governor Mohamed Tahir Zuhair and many others for their support to AKDN and to our staff, that has made it possible for us to play a role towards improving the health of the people of Bamyan province.
The way you have taken on the responsibility of the stewardship role and guided us in the implementation of the Essential Hospital Services Package for Bamyan Hospital, the Basic Package of Health services in remote areas of Afghanistan, and the Community Midwifery and Nursing Education Programmes in three provinces has truly been exemplary.
The Aga Khan Development Network itself remains dedicated to working with the Government of Afghanistan and through it, to building the quality of life of its great people. Through investments in the private sector – telecommunications, hospitality, tourism and microfinance – as well as concurrent investments in the social and cultural sectors – health systems strengthening; health professionals training including post-graduate medical education and diploma level nursing through the Aga Khan University; primary, secondary education and adult literacy programmes; facilitating village community organisations; the restoration of the Bagh-e-Babur gardens and the urban area around it. Through these multiple interventions, the Network seeks to harness and influence the various dimensions of human life such that together, they chart a course for growth while building social protection.
Thank you.
Scroll down for Speech (Below photo)
Bamyan hospital opening, Afghanistan
Bamyan, Afghanistan, 24 April 2017 – His Excellency the Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan inaugurated a US $22.8 million hospital today that will serve the people of Bamyan.
The state-of-the-art 141-bed facility places particular emphasis on the needs of women and children, and represents a new chapter for the Bamyan Provincial Hospital.
SPEECH DELIVERED BY Princess Zahra Aga Khan
LOCATION
Bamyan, Afghanistan (24 April 2017)
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Your Excellency Second Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh,
Your Excellency Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firozuddin Firoz,
Your Excellency Minister of Public Works, Engineer Mahmoud Baligh,
Your Excellency, Governor Mohamed Tahir Zohair,
Your Excellency Ambassador Kenneth Neufeld,
Your Excellency Ambassador François Richier,
distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you, governor Zohair for your very warm welcome to Bamyan. Today is a momentous day as we open the new Bamyan Provincial Hospital. The Aga Khan Development Network started work in the Bamyan Province in 2003. At that time health service delivery at Bamyan Hospital was provided from a 35 bed facility with 72 staff working mainly out of tents. There was no Essential Package of Hospital Services, nor a Masterplan for the Hospital to guide its development, very limited equipment, medicines and consumables, and there was a great shortage of qualified health staff.
Major changes have occurred since then; at the old premises the hospital was upgraded and expanded, more and better qualified staff were brought in, training programmes commenced, new equipment was installed and the hospital became well-stocked with medicines and consumables.
The investments have had an impact: the volumes at the hospital increased and performance improved. The number of admissions went up from 1,900 in 2004 to more than11,000 in 2016, the outpatient attendances from 43,000 to 175,000, deliveries from 100 to more than 3,000, and major operations from 150 to 600.
Similarly, the hospital has seen a good reduction in waiting time for the patient to see a doctor, and in quality indicators such as the number of inpatient falls, infections acquired in the hospital during admission, medical errors and needle stick injuries and a steadily-declining average length of stay – these are all signs of improving clinical quality. In 2012 the Bamyan Provincial Hospital received ISO-9001:2008 certification, the first and with Faizabad Hospital in Badakhshan the only Provincial Hospitals in Afghanistan with this ‘quality’ accreditation.
Next to investing in infrastructure and equipment, Bamyan hospital management, supported by the community hospital board, has been able and continues to invest in training and capacity building of the now more than 200 staff, and the Aga Khan Health Services, Afghanistan with its partners pays much attention to the importance of continuing education for medical, nursing and allied health staff, as well as management and support staff.
The telemedicine or e-health link, established in 2009, also plays an important role. It creates the opportunity for the staff at Bamyan hospital to connect to the FMIC in Kabul and the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi; these extend support and advice, build capacity and enable an exchange of medical data and information for analysis. Enabling this technology to come to Bamyan has made and continues to make a significant impact to the quality improvements in health service delivery at the hospital. To date in Bamyan, more than 9,000 patients have benefitted from telemedicine and more than 4,000 Afghan medical personnel have participated in diagnostic and training opportunities facilitated by this link.
However, Bamyan Provincial Hospital became in a way victim of its own success: the old premises became too small to cope with the increasing number of patients and there was no possibility to expand further. We are grateful to be able today to officially open this well-designed and constructed141 bed hospital on this site gifted by the Bamyan municipality.
The new hospital is state of the art when it comes to functionality, but it is also designed to be highly energy efficient and structurally safe and seismically resilient. The building also has some unique architectural features – the external finishing using traditional mud construction that makes the hospital blend in so well with the natural environment by applying new innovative ‘rammed earth’ technologies to make it durable; the central Charbagh, the views of the external spaces with the wonderful views of the mountains from all corners of the building and creating a sense of being connected to nature while being inside; the art work that you see on the walls using local historical motives and the 400 KW solar plant that provides for the majority of the electrical supply of the hospital.
I want to thank all who created this beautiful facility on time and within budget; hospital planners CPG, architects ARCOP, contractors Raqim, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat construction management team, and the steering committee that judiciously oversaw the project.
I must make special mention of the important Canadian support, through Global Affairs Canada, that allowed us to build this hospital. Global Affairs Canada has been one of the AKDN's long-standing partners, supporting the establishment of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing in Pakistan some three decades ago, and now supporting so much of our work in maternal, newborn, and child health as well as health systems strengthening here in Afghanistan, and in other parts of Central and South Asia.
Phase 2 of the hospital construction, including the installation of the solar plant, was made possible through the Health Action Plan for Afghanistan or HAPA programme, that brought another longstanding collaborator of AKDN; France, through the Agence Française de Développement. Thank you, AFD.
I would also like to acknowledge the thousands of Canadians who contributed to Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s fundraising efforts for the construction of the hospital.
Let me end by expressing our warmest gratitude to all of you and especially to the Government of Afghanistan: President Ashraf Ghani, first Lady Rula Ghani and Chief Executive Dr. Abdulla Abdulla whom I met this morning, Vice President Sarwar Danesh, Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firozuddin Firoz, Minister of Public Works, Engineer Mahmoud Baligh, Governor Mohamed Tahir Zuhair and many others for their support to AKDN and to our staff, that has made it possible for us to play a role towards improving the health of the people of Bamyan province.
The way you have taken on the responsibility of the stewardship role and guided us in the implementation of the Essential Hospital Services Package for Bamyan Hospital, the Basic Package of Health services in remote areas of Afghanistan, and the Community Midwifery and Nursing Education Programmes in three provinces has truly been exemplary.
The Aga Khan Development Network itself remains dedicated to working with the Government of Afghanistan and through it, to building the quality of life of its great people. Through investments in the private sector – telecommunications, hospitality, tourism and microfinance – as well as concurrent investments in the social and cultural sectors – health systems strengthening; health professionals training including post-graduate medical education and diploma level nursing through the Aga Khan University; primary, secondary education and adult literacy programmes; facilitating village community organisations; the restoration of the Bagh-e-Babur gardens and the urban area around it. Through these multiple interventions, the Network seeks to harness and influence the various dimensions of human life such that together, they chart a course for growth while building social protection.
Thank you.
https://www.asiaplus.tj/en/news/world/20170425/239065
Princess Zahra Aga Khan inaugurates new hospital in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province
25 April 2017
09:25, today
Author: Asia-Plus
The Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan on April 24 inaugurated a US $22.8 million hospital that will serve the people of Bamiyan, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The state-of-the-art 141-bed facility places particular emphasis on the needs of women and children, and represents a new chapter for the Bamiyan Provincial Hospital.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Vice-President Danesh said: “It is my deep hope that this new hospital with its expanded facilities will be a role model for health facilities in Afghanistan and will provide essential healthcare to the people of Bamiyan and the neighboring provinces.”
The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) began operating the Bamiyan Hospital in 2004. At that time, the Hospital had only 35 beds – 15 of which were housed in a tent. Medical staff struggled to meet the needs of the population.
As part of a public-private partnership with the Government of Afghanistan, AKHS undertook the challenge of upgrading the hospital. The old facility was expanded to 100 beds, and new equipment was installed. Training was provided to staff and a steady supply of medicines was stocked.
The impact was remarkable: admissions rose from 1,900 in 2004 to more than 11,000 in 2016; outpatient attendances increased from 43,000 to 175,000; deliveries from 100 to more than 3,000 and the number of major operations from 150 to more than 600.
In response to the clear need for a purpose-built facility, the Bamiyan Provincial Government allocated 6.4 acres of land on the outskirts of the town. The new hospital was built by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, which specializes in ecologically friendly and seismic resistant construction. Over half of the facility’s power is supplied by solar panels located on a hilltop behind the hospital.
The construction of the new facility was funded by the Government of Canada (US $17 million), the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (US $3.2 million) and the Government of France (US $2.3 million). The hospital’s operations continue to be principally funded by the Aga Khan Health Services; since 2004, this funding has amounted to over US $15 million.
AKDN has been active in Bamiyan since 2003. The upgrading of the hospital is part of the AKDN’s broad contribution to the improvement of health services in Afghanistan, which include the upgrading of health facilities, the training of nurses, midwives and doctors, and wider support for the delivery of quality health services and the rebuilding of the country’s health infrastructure.
The Bamiyan Provincial Hospital and the Faizabad Provincial Hospital in Badakhshan (also operated by AKHS), are the only provincial hospitals in the country to have received ISO-9001 certification. The French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children in Kabul is managed by the Aga Khan University, having been established through a public-private partnership with the governments of France and Afghanistan, the Aga Khan Development Network and the French NGO La Chaîne de L’Espoir.
Earlier in the day, Princess Zahra Aga Khan met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and First Lady Rula Ghani, Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Second Vice President Sarwar Danesh, and Governor of Bamiyan Mohammad Tahir Zahir.
The Aga Khan Development Network has been committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan since the beginning of this century, having channeled close to a billion dollars towards the country’s development.
“Through investments in the private sector – telecommunications, hospitality, tourism and microfinance – as well as concurrent investments in the social and cultural sector, including health systems strengthening; health professionals training including post-graduate medical education and diploma level nursing through the Aga Khan University; primary, secondary education and adult literacy programs; facilitating village community organizations; the restoration of the Bagh-e-Babur gardens and the urban environment around it,” noted Princess Zahra. “The AKDN seeks to harness and influence the various dimensions of human life such that, together, they chart a course for growth while building social protection.”
Princess Zahra Aga Khan inaugurates new hospital in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province
25 April 2017
09:25, today
Author: Asia-Plus
The Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danesh, and Princess Zahra Aga Khan on April 24 inaugurated a US $22.8 million hospital that will serve the people of Bamiyan, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The state-of-the-art 141-bed facility places particular emphasis on the needs of women and children, and represents a new chapter for the Bamiyan Provincial Hospital.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Vice-President Danesh said: “It is my deep hope that this new hospital with its expanded facilities will be a role model for health facilities in Afghanistan and will provide essential healthcare to the people of Bamiyan and the neighboring provinces.”
The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) began operating the Bamiyan Hospital in 2004. At that time, the Hospital had only 35 beds – 15 of which were housed in a tent. Medical staff struggled to meet the needs of the population.
As part of a public-private partnership with the Government of Afghanistan, AKHS undertook the challenge of upgrading the hospital. The old facility was expanded to 100 beds, and new equipment was installed. Training was provided to staff and a steady supply of medicines was stocked.
The impact was remarkable: admissions rose from 1,900 in 2004 to more than 11,000 in 2016; outpatient attendances increased from 43,000 to 175,000; deliveries from 100 to more than 3,000 and the number of major operations from 150 to more than 600.
In response to the clear need for a purpose-built facility, the Bamiyan Provincial Government allocated 6.4 acres of land on the outskirts of the town. The new hospital was built by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, which specializes in ecologically friendly and seismic resistant construction. Over half of the facility’s power is supplied by solar panels located on a hilltop behind the hospital.
The construction of the new facility was funded by the Government of Canada (US $17 million), the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (US $3.2 million) and the Government of France (US $2.3 million). The hospital’s operations continue to be principally funded by the Aga Khan Health Services; since 2004, this funding has amounted to over US $15 million.
AKDN has been active in Bamiyan since 2003. The upgrading of the hospital is part of the AKDN’s broad contribution to the improvement of health services in Afghanistan, which include the upgrading of health facilities, the training of nurses, midwives and doctors, and wider support for the delivery of quality health services and the rebuilding of the country’s health infrastructure.
The Bamiyan Provincial Hospital and the Faizabad Provincial Hospital in Badakhshan (also operated by AKHS), are the only provincial hospitals in the country to have received ISO-9001 certification. The French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children in Kabul is managed by the Aga Khan University, having been established through a public-private partnership with the governments of France and Afghanistan, the Aga Khan Development Network and the French NGO La Chaîne de L’Espoir.
Earlier in the day, Princess Zahra Aga Khan met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and First Lady Rula Ghani, Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Second Vice President Sarwar Danesh, and Governor of Bamiyan Mohammad Tahir Zahir.
The Aga Khan Development Network has been committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan since the beginning of this century, having channeled close to a billion dollars towards the country’s development.
“Through investments in the private sector – telecommunications, hospitality, tourism and microfinance – as well as concurrent investments in the social and cultural sector, including health systems strengthening; health professionals training including post-graduate medical education and diploma level nursing through the Aga Khan University; primary, secondary education and adult literacy programs; facilitating village community organizations; the restoration of the Bagh-e-Babur gardens and the urban environment around it,” noted Princess Zahra. “The AKDN seeks to harness and influence the various dimensions of human life such that, together, they chart a course for growth while building social protection.”
Princess Zahra Aga Khan & AKDN Delegation Meets Chief Executive of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah
https://www.facebook.com/Dr.AbdullahAbd ... 8157614717
https://www.facebook.com/Dr.AbdullahAbd ... 8157614717