Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- December 27, 2023 - The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), acting as trustee of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF), signed, today, an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve the Quality of Maternal and Childcare in Rural Areas of Afghanistan.

Under the auspices of His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the agreements were signed by Eng. Mohammad J. Alsaati, Special Adviser to the IsDB President and AHTF Coordinator and Dr. Paata Chikvaidze, Coordinator RMNCAH and GER programmes, WHO office, Kabul, Afghanistan, and witnessed by senior officials from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and King Salaman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) with the presence of officials from other relevant organization and stakeholders.

The project aims to improve the quality of maternal and childcare services in 3 targeted District Hospitals (DHs) in Bamyan province, which has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in Afghanistan, by providing essential medical equipment, supplies and commodities in addition to female obstetricians. It will also build the capacity of healthcare providers in comprehensive Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) clinical skills, strengthen monitoring systems and increase awareness and advocacy on MNCH.

Afghanistan has one of the world's highest infant mortality rates. According to UNFPA, thousands of Afghan women die every year from preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related complications.

 Eng. Mohammad J. Alsaati, stated that " this Project to be implemented by WHO will contribute to improving equitable access to quality health services for people in remote rural communities through the construction of primary health facilities in addition to Improving the quality of maternal and childcare services.”

The total Cost of the project is estimated at USD 1,508,000 and will be funded through an AHTF grant of USD 1,108,000 as a contribution of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) to AHTF, and a contribute of USD 400,000 from WHO.

The project will focus on population, estimated at 134,876 individuals, including 52,870 Pregnant and postpartum women and 63,282 Children under 5 years in addition to focusing on women at reproductive age and children. The project will also work on reducing maternal and child mortalities in target DHs, increasing availability of essential MNCH commodities, and improving access to and quality of essential MNCH services in target 3 DHs in addition on raising public awareness and advocacy on MNCH. 

“This project will support WHO’s work in reaching the most vulnerable populations of Afghanistan – the women and children”, says WHO representative to Afghanistan Dr Luo Dapeng. We are grateful to donors and partners that we can deliver life-saving health services to those who need them the most.”

The project aligns with the Global Agenda 2030 as it directly contributes to the progressive achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It targets women of reproductive age (15-49 years), adolescent girls, pregnant women, post-delivery women, and newborns. In addition, the FHHs will benefit the general population, including children (under the age of 5), other women, men, adolescent boys, and the elderly.

The AHTF serves as a vehicle to channel humanitarian assistance, address basic needs, and promote self-reliance and development in the country, following the decision of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC at its 17th Extraordinary Session held on 19 December 2021 in Islamabad, Pakistan.