Under Fatima's watchful eye
As a Community Health Worker in one of Afghanistan's most mountainous regions, Fatima expresses how children’s health and well-being often rest in her hands
BAMYAN, AFGHANISTAN – Fatima Sadaat has dedicated her life to improving the health and well-being of children in Shah Foladi village. She is one of 30,000 Community Health Workers UNICEF supports in Afghanistan, volunteering her time to bring healthcare into the most remote parts of the country.
Every day, Fatima wakes up early, walking for hours across the rugged terrain in Bamyan Province, part of the mountainous central highlands. She carries a bag of medical supplies, a measuring tape, and a warm smile. She visits every household in the area, measuring children's mid-upper arm circumference for signs of malnutrition and giving parents advice on healthy food. If she identifies a child who is malnourished, she refers them to a nearby clinic for treatment.
Fatima knows that good nutrition is not the only thing a growing child needs to thrive. She provides triage services, treating minor ailments and referring serious cases for medical treatment. She educates parents about the importance of hygiene, clean water, and family planning. UNICEF supports Fatima, and 30,000 Community Health Workers like her, with continuous training and supplies they need to care for children and mothers.
In her community, Fatima is a trusted and respected figure. Many of her neighbours regularly consult her for guidance.
"If either me or any other Community Health Worker did not exist in the community, it would be very problematic. Especially for nutrition. Families would not understand about healthy food, or taking some time between births so the mothers can properly breastfeed. Their children would become malnourished."
"I know the children's names, stories, and dreams. I know I am making a difference."
Fatima loves her job and feels a deep connection with the children she cares for.
"I know their names, their stories, and their dreams," she says. "I am happy when they smile and hug me, and I am sad when they fall ill or suffer."
She sees them grow and thrive under her watchful eye. She does not mind the long hours, the harsh weather, or the lack of resources. She believes that she is making a difference – that she is saving lives.
In Afghanistan, many families live very far away from health facilities. There is also a shortage of qualified health workers in the country, especially women and specialists. This means some services are not available as close to communities as needed.
But Fatima feels that is why her job is so important. After a long day at work, she goes home to her own village to care for her own community, as well.
"I am proud of my commitment. I took this responsibility and try to do my job well."
"I hope children will always be healthy, not be malnourished, and that they can grow to be healthy persons in society and for their country."
"As health workers, we work on raising people's awareness, so we can solve problems within our own communities, whether it is nutritional or other health problems," says Fatima.
Fatima smiles and hugs the children around her, telling them, "you will have a bright future."
"I know my work is not in vain and that I am making a difference. I have touched lives."
