Hello. My name is Mónica, and I am a paediatrician with Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Today, I want to share a story about Child Healthcare in Afghanistan with you – The Story of baby Abdul.
When I arrived in Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in northern Afghanistan, I didn't believe in miracles. However, I returned convinced that they do exist! I worked in a neonatology unit, and in my first week there, we received a newborn who was an extremely premature baby, weighing just 540 grams!
When Abdul arrived at our hospital with his mother, we discussed the prognosis with her, explaining that the likelihood of survival was very low. Nonetheless, we assured her that we would do our best.
Against all odds, day by day, we watched little Abdul grow. The dedication and hard work of the entire medical team and the tireless presence of his mother marked his journey to survival. It was a long road; he stayed in our hospital for three months. There were several significant moments: I remember the day we stopped the antibiotics, the day he was fed exclusively orally, the day we removed the oxygen, the day we moved him from the incubator to a crib, and finally, the day he was discharged! Abdul's mother told us it was the happiest day of her life.
We could hardly believe he had survived! He brought hope to our unit, showing us that all our hard work had a reason, a cause.Monica Costeira, MSF Pediatrician in Afghanistan
We could hardly believe he had survived! He brought hope to our unit, showing us that all our hard work had a reason, a cause: to bring hope of a future to many babies and their families.
This is just one example of how MSF works to provide medical assistance and bring hope to over 70 countries. Afghanistan is experiencing a severe crisis where babies, children, and women are the most vulnerable.
When MSF began its activities in this city, many families found hope again. There are countless daily success stories where we enable these babies to survive and overcome the obstacles they face from their first breath!
Make a donation NOW to support MSF's work worldwide and allow thousands of people like Abdul and his mother to continue dreaming and aiming for a better future.
We count on you! Thank you very much.
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