Afghanistan > Programme Description
1. How long has Medair been in the country?
Medair has been working in Afghanistan since October 1996. We began working in remote Badakhshan province following an initial baseline survey in 2000 that revealed a staggering absence of health care in the region.
2. What is Medair doing in the country?
Providing access to water
Medair seeks to focus on areas which are remote and where the population have critical needs either caused by years of conflict or by natural disasters. As a result, Medair runs health care projects with a focus on maternal care; food aid and food security projects for families whose coping mechanisms have been reduced by the results of conflict and drought; and water and sanitation projects to increase the health and survival of the most vulnerable population, especially children.
3. Where are we working?
Badakhshan
Medair is working in four of Badakhshan’s most inaccessible districts, providing health care, food aid, food security, and water and sanitation. Medair also works with the population in disaster risk reduction programming.
Badakhshan is undoubtedly one of the most underdeveloped and remote regions of Central Asia. Basic health care was almost non-existent here until 2002, and maternal and child mortality is a serious problem. The area is frequently affected by earthquakes and landslides. It is extremely difficult to access during the winter months, with the only options being treks by horseback or on foot.
Central Highlands
Medair is working in several remote areas in the Central Highlands (Surkhjoy in the Bamyan province, and in three isolated valleys of Marak and Dashtak in the north of the Wardak province). We are providing food aid and food security, as well as the development of rural water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion.
This region has been isolated from humanitarian assistance because of the consecutive periods of warfare, general insecurity, and the area’s rugged terrain. There is a lack of established health care, a lack of adequate clean water and sanitation, and limited road access to vulnerable communities. Years of drought and lack of development have created the worst food insecurity in the country. Many of Medair’s target villages are only accessible by foot via a small trail, which can take up to a day walking to reach.
4. How many people are working for Medair in Afghanistan?
Medair employs approximately 10 internationally recruited staff (IRS) and 77 nationally recruited staff in Afghanistan. In addition, up to 60 health workers are supported by Medair in the clinics and health posts.