We work in Afghanistan to transform lives and build capacity in the sectors of eye care, development, education and health.
Eye care
Eye care was IAM’s first project in Afghanistan. We started this work in 1966, and since then we’ve been working to make high-quality eye care accessible and affordable for all people in Afghanistan. We focus particularly on training mid-level eye care professionals, as well as ophthalmologists, providing skilled professionals to serve the people of Afghanistan – a country where the World Health Organisation estimates that 1.5 million people are visually impaired and 400,000 people are blind.
In 2020, we saw 144,976 patients and performed 10,153 surgeries – many of which were sight-saving surgeries. Find out more about our life-transforming eye care work.
Development
IAM is working to tackle poverty and injustice in Afghanistan, giving some of the poorest communities the opportunity to thrive.
We are helping to improve food security, fight infant and maternal mortality, and improve access to clean water and good sanitation; we’re running literacy, peacebuilding and community leadership courses; and we’re helping families improve their finances and empowering communities to develop and thrive.
Take a closer look at our development projects here.
Education
Through our Female Teacher Education Project, Silk Road English Centre, and Peacebuilding Project, we are working to help Afghans reach their full potential. We’re currently focusing on improving the accessibility and quality of education in villages (particularly for girls), equipping future leaders with English skills, and advocating for peace in Afghanistan.
Want to learn more? Click here.
Health
We want to end the stigma surrounding mental health in Afghanistan and ensure those struggling with mental health issues have access to the help they need. IAM’s Mental Health Programme is based in the western region of Afghanistan and was started in 1996 in response to a high suicide rate among women. We are working in advocacy and media, helping to train medical professionals and communities about mental health, and connecting people with services.
Get a more in-depth look at our health work by clicking here.
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