UNFPA is providing reproductive health services and commodities during times of emergency to the crisis-hit population through the limited health facilities in those areas. UNFPA’s support is also extended to people living in areas with little or no health facilities, to internally displaced population and the returnees from neighboring countries.  

During the first half of 2017, the UNFPA provided reproductive health services to 51,000 returnees from Pakistan. Among those beneficiaries were 737 pregnant women who received antenatal care and 300 women who received postnatal care services.

The UNFPA also supported partners to provide emergency health services to an additional 11,398 population affected by the crisis.

Furthermore, the UNFPA mobile health teams provided reproductive health care to 5,189 women of childbearing age in different regions around the country, including 1,065 pregnant women who received antenatal care and 716 women who received postnatal care.

Among those who received care was Razia, 26 years, who fled Kunduz and was living in Takhar under very harsh circumstances.

“When the conflict broke in Qunduz, I was pregnant”, said Razia, “We fled the conflict and came to Takhar, and since our arrival, we have been selling our belongings to make a living. I am so grateful to the midwife who checked me for free. I went to see her many times. When it was the time for my delivery the midwife also took me to the hospital in her car. I am very thankful for all she did for me.”

UNFPA mobile health teams are currently active in western, central, northeastern, northern, southern, southeastern and eastern regions.

UNFPA’s support during crisis situations also includes emergency reproductive health kits that are distributed to hospitals. The kits include blood transfusion equipment; disposable medical tools, and clinical delivery assistance drugs and supplies.  6,300 pregnant mothers received basic and comprehensive reproductive health care in Nangarhar provincial hospital. 

In Afghanistan where natural disasters are common and conflict is ongoing, it is vital for the UNFPA to be prepared.  At this time 35 emergency reproductive health kits are stored for such emergency purposes, which can cover reproductive health services provision for 450,000 people for three months.