Afghanistan faces one of the world’s most fragile health systems. High maternal and child mortality, widespread malnutrition, and a critical lack of accessible care in rural areas have created a national emergency. The World Health Organization has warned that funding shortages could close 80 percent of health services, leaving millions without care. By March 2025, 167 health facilities in 25 provinces had already shut down, with 220 more at risk.

We believe health is the foundation of survival, dignity, and long-term prosperity. We work with Afghan health professionals, the Ministry of Public Health, and local communities to deliver care where it is needed most, especially for women and children.

1 in 10 children dies before their 5th birthday

638 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, one of the world’s highest

40% of children under 5 suffer from acute malnutrition

12 million people lack access to basic healthcare

70% of rural clinics lack doctors, electricity, or essential medicines

Our Approach

We deliver community-based health services that are accessible, culturally appropriate, and coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health.

Community-led

We work with local health professionals and communities to design solutions that fit their needs.

Integrated

We combine health services with nutrition, protection, and awareness.

Gender-responsive

We prioritize women and children, who are most affected by the health crisis.

Sustainable

We invest in training and systems that endure, including our midwifery program.

We are designing a multi-tiered health system response with five primary components

Maternal & Child Health

Primary & Emergency Healthcare

Nutrition & Disease Prevention

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Health Workforce Development & System Strengthening

Our Impact Highlights

In 2025, Compassionate Afghanistan responded to the Kunar earthquake within 72 hours. Our mobile clinic treated 976 patients, with nearly half being women and children. We conducted 13 health awareness sessions on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. We also established a child-friendly space for 165 traumatized children.

This response demonstrated our ability to provide life-saving care in the most challenging conditions. It was delivered with 100 percent budget accountability and coordination with the Kunar Department of Public Health.

Compassionate Care Mobile Clinic – Kunar Earthquake 2025

Emergency Health Response

We do not just plan. We deliver.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Following the Kunar earthquake in 2025, the needs were immense. Over 263,000 children were affected, with many losing family members and experiencing severe psychological distress . Children initially arriving at spaces were often "afraid, silent and emotionally distressed

Drawing and creative expression

Group games and sports

In the absence of a formal child protection system in Afghanistan, child-friendly spaces are one of the best ways to reach children who need mental health support, especially girls . They help restore a sense of normalcy, build emotional resilience, and support children to recover and thrive

During the Kunar earthquake response, Compassionate Afghanistan established a child-friendly space for 165 traumatized children. Through structured play, drawing, games, and psychosocial support, children began to heal from the shock and grief they experienced. This was part of our integrated emergency response, combining health services with mental health and psychosocial support.

Healing Trauma, Restoring Hope for Children

Structured play and recreational activities

Psychosocial support

Health Awareness and Community Outreach

During the Kunar earthquake response, CASDHO recognized that medical treatment alone was not enough. Families needed accurate information to protect themselves from disease, recognize danger signs, and care for their children.

Our team, including women doctors for women and a dedicated team of male and female health professionals, delivered 13 community health awareness sessions across affected villages. These sessions reached 168 community members, with a focus on women, children, and families in remote areas.

Topics Covered:

• Personal hygiene and disease prevention

• Safe water practices and sanitation

• Maternal and child nutrition

• Recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and childhood illness

Delivering Life-Saving Knowledge to Affected Families

Our approach was agile, responsive, and culturally appropriate. Women doctors led sessions for women, ensuring safety and trust. Male doctors engaged community elders and fathers. This gender-sensitive approach increased participation and acceptance.

13 awareness sessions delivered (400% above target)

168 community members reached

47.6% of participants were women and children

Trust built through gender-sensitive, community-centered delivery

Our Impact

When a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Kunar Province, Compassionate Afghanistan deployed a mobile clinic within 72 hours. Over one month, we treated 976 patients, with nearly half being women and children. We conducted 13 health awareness sessions on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. We also established a child-friendly space for 165 traumatized children. The response was delivered with 100 percent budget accountability and full coordination with the Kunar Department of Public Health.

We have delivered measurable results in health, responding to emergencies, filling critical gaps, and building long-term capacity in Afghanistan's health sector.

Compassionate Care Mobile Clinic: Kunar Earthquake Response (2025)

Our Initiatives

Our initiatives are designed to meet immediate needs while building foundations for the future. Through education, skills, and youth development, we create pathways to learning, income, and resilience for communities across Afghanistan.

Compassionate Care: Nurse-Midwifery Clinical Training Program

Afghanistan has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates. Many midwives have theoretical training but lack hands-on clinical experience. This program provides 50 midwives with six months of practical training using simulation models and hospital rotations. Participants gain WHO-aligned skills in emergency obstetric and neonatal care. Certified midwives will serve in public hospitals, clinics, and mobile health camps. 50 midwives as pilot phase, scaling to other provinces and nationwide. The goal is to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths while empowering Afghan women as healthcare leaders. We are seeking partners to support this initiative.

We believe no mother should die giving life. We work to ensure that every woman, every child, and every community has access to the care they need, regardless of where they live or what barriers they face.

Rahima's Story: A Returnee Mother's Safe Delivery

Rahima, a pregnant mother of three, was forcibly deported from Iran. She arrived in Mazar-e-Sharif with no shelter, no food, and no medical care. CASDHO's team provided emergency support, food, cash assistance, and medical referral.

When the hospital initially recommended surgical delivery, our medical team reviewed her clinical records and assessed the risks. They advised against surgery and coordinated with hospital staff for a normal delivery. With our team's support and accompaniment, Rahima delivered her baby safely. Both mother and child are healthy.

This case reflects our commitment to dignified, evidence-based care, even in the most vulnerable moments.

A Journey of Healing and Hope

Shafiqa, a young woman from Kunar, lost her husband in the earthquake just 25 days after her wedding. She suffered fractures in both legs and was bedridden, unable to speak from grief.

Compassionate Afghanistan provided emergency care, referred her to hospital, and supported her recovery with medicine and nutrition.

Weeks later, she smiled and spoke again: "I am very thankful to the doctors and the team."

Her healing brought hope to her village and deepened community trust.

Shafiqa's Story

Mohammad Hashim's Story

Mohammad Hashim, a resident of Somi Village, Kunar Province, faced serious health problems but could not access medical services due to the distance from the nearest health center. When the CASDHO mobile clinic arrived in his village, he received the care he needed.

"I was one of the patients treated by the doctors in this mobile clinic. Thanks to their care and dedication, my health has improved, and I can now carry out my daily activities normally."

His story reflects the critical importance of bringing healthcare to remote communities, where distance should never be a barrier to treatment.

Access to Care

Compassion in Action

28

167+

Children Reached

Women trained in digital skills

Help Us Build a Future Through Education

Partner with us to make education accessible for all.

CASDHO

Community and Social Development Humanitarian Organization. Empowering communities through sustainable development, education, and health initiatives.

Get Involved

Contact us

info@compassionate-afghanistan.org

Kabul, Afghanistan

© 2026 CASDHO. All rights reserved.

Quick links

About Us

Thematic Areas

Active Programs

News & Updates

Volunteer

Partner With Us

Donate

Careers