Problem Analysis: Abortion in Afghanistan is only permitted on medical indication to save the life of women, otherwise it is not legal. This process involves certification by three medical professionals and the approval of the Public Health Ministry.
Unsafe abortion is one of the factors contributing to Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the country, which at 1600/1,00,000 live births) is one of the highest in the world. Despite the reliable available data, the rate of unsafe abortion in the country is estimated to be very high, with most abortions performed in unhygienic conditions and by unskilled providers.
Low awareness among the general population on the impact of unsafe abortion, poor quality of post-abortion care services especially in rural areas and the absence of skilled and knowledgeable service providers are key problems leading to high MMR in the country.
Strategic Direction: Increase awareness on the health and social justice impact of unsafe through national advocacy, community mobilisation and quality post-abortion care service provision.
Goal: Improve the RHR of women by reducing the incidence of unsafe abortion.
Objectives : Objective 1
-
Reduce the incidence of
unsafe abortion in the target population.
Activities:
-
Collect and record data on
unsafe abortion -
Undertake resource-mapping of key stakeholders to establish strategic partnerships for referral and national level
advocacy -
Develop target specific
IEC/BCC tools to increase awareness on the impact of
unsafe abortion, and train staff in the use of these tools
-
Work with media and other key stakeholders to increase awareness on the health and social justice impact of
unsafe abortion.
Objective 2: Improve quality of abortion-related care services including post-abortion care and counseling.
Activities:
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KAP survey of staff, volunteers and other RH service providers (eg.government) on safe abortion.
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Design and deliver
gender and safe abortion sensitization training to AFGA staff and volunteers.
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Conduct capacity building needs assessment of AFGA clinic and develop training programmes (impact of
unsafe abortion, management of
unsafe abortion, post-abortion care and counseling)
-
Strengthen capacity of staff to provide quality post-
abortion care and contraceptive counseling (including Emergency Contraceptives)
-
Work collaboratively with MoPH and other key stakeholders to review and revise protocols for safe
abortion and
abortion- related care, eg. referrals for post-
abortion complications.
-
Agree referral protocols with MoPH , eg complications due to
unsafe abortion.
Outcomes and Indicators:
|
Outcomes |
Indicators |
- Reduction in the incidence of unsafe abortion
- AFGA provides quality post-abortion care including referrals for post-abortion complications from unsafe abortions
- Increased awareness of the general population, especially women about the consequences of unsafe abortion leading to a reduction in the need for abortion
- Increased partnership with key stakeholders to work collaboratively to reduce the incidence of unsafe abortion in Afghanistan and providing quality PAC.
|
- Number and quality of advocacy literature produced e.g. policy review, position papers
- Number of national level events held e.g. seminars, conferences and meetings
- Number of MoU signed with the line ministries and agencies for working jointly on abortion-related programes
- Number, range and quality of trainings conducted on pre- and post-abortion care and counseling for AFGA staff
- Number and type of services provided including referrals
- Increase in the take up of abortion-related services
- Number, range and quality of IEC/BCC tolls developed and used with key target groups
- Changes in attitudes towards unsafe abortion by women, men and key community constituents.
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