Inauguration of Shahr Ara Teaching Hospital Maternity Ward in Kabul

Photo By Catherine Hartman | Pictured here is a nurse at Shahr Ara Maternity Recovery Room.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.15.2014

Story by Catherine Hartman 

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - On March 15, representatives from U.S. Forces-Afghanistan attended an Inaugural Ceremony for the first maternity teaching hospital in Kabul.

US Forces-Afghanistan attended the Inauguration of the Shahr Ara Teaching Hospital Maternity Ward in Kabul on March 15, 2014. Director Dr. Nafisa Naseri outlined the plans for the first maternity teaching hospital with improved management, capacity building of staff, continued rehabilitation of buildings and equipping the hospital with imaging and diagnostic centers. Guest speakers included Professor Zarif, President of Kabul University; Mr. Baburi, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Rear Admiral of the US Navy (RDML) Althea Coetzee.

The buildings that house the new Maternity Ward had been heavily damaged after several decades of war. Recognizing the accomplishment, Deputy Minister Barburi noted, “This hospital is the sign of collaboration and joint venture between stakeholders.” Professor Zarif thanked the US Forces for donation of medical equipment and recognized the significant contribution. RDML Coetzee praised the Afghans, saying "The U.S. gave support but progress has been made possible through the hard work and dedication of the Afghans." Indeed, Mr. Barburi remarked Dr. Naseri had started with "empty hands," but achieved what she wanted in the end.

With the support of the University and the Ministry, Dr. Naseri continues to work toward her goal to establish a center of excellence in teaching, training, diagnosis and treatment in obstetrics, gynecology, newborn resuscitation, nursing and midwifery.

Through the dedication of medical professionals like Dr. Naseri and the staff at Shahr Ara, in partnership with higher education institutions like Kabul Medical University and with the support of the International Community much progress has been made. Infant mortality, measured in deaths before age one in every 1,000 births, has dropped from 120 in 1990 to 71 in 2012. Maternal mortality rate measured in deaths per 100,000 births has dropped from 1,600 in 2000 to 300 in 2012. Prenatal care coverage has increased from only 6 percent in 2003 to over 39 percent in 2012. (World Bank Statistics).

• Date Taken: 03.15.2014
• Date Posted: 03.16.2014 13:02
• Story ID: 122084
• Location: KABUL, AF