Doctors Without Borders Provides Critical Care to Earthquake-Stricken Herat, Afghanistan
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is on a critical mission to provide medical care to the people affected by a series of devastating earthquakes in Herat, Afghanistan. The region has been struck by three major earthquakes and numerous aftershocks in less than 10 days, leaving the community in fear and despair. With homes destroyed or deemed unsafe, many residents are left with no choice but to sleep outside, in their cars, or in tents.
To address this dire situation, MSF has quickly responded by setting up 10 tents outside the Herat Regional Hospital. These tents serve as temporary medical facilities where MSF teams tirelessly triage and treat the injured, as well as care for stabilized and post-surgical patients. One of the main challenges faced by the hospital is accommodating patients who, although ready for discharge, have no homes to return to.
Yahya Kalilah, MSF’s head of program in Afghanistan, shares the extent of the situation, stating, Many [patients in Herat Regional Hospital] are in the tents set up by MSF because even though they could be discharged, they don’t have homes to return to. This emphasizes the urgent need for medical assistance, as the affected population struggles not only with physical injuries but also with displacement and uncertainty.
In addition to providing care at the hospital, MSF teams have mobilized supplies from other areas and are venturing into the hardest-hit locations, where entire villages have been destroyed. The medical humanitarian organization aims to reach as many affected communities as possible, delivering essential medical services and relief.
It’s worth noting that MSF has been present in Herat for quite some time, supporting the pediatric department of the Herat Regional Hospital. Their dedicated team has been providing emergency medical care, therapeutic feeding, and intensive care services for many years. This existing presence and expertise have allowed MSF to respond swiftly and effectively to the earthquake crisis.
Founded in 1995, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia is part of a global network of 24 international MSF offices committed to delivering medical assistance to populations in crisis around the world. Every year, around 150 Australians and New Zealanders are sent on assignments by Médecins Sans Frontières Australia, showcasing the dedication and commitment of individuals to provide essential medical support where it is most needed.
As this humanitarian effort continues, MSF’s invaluable assistance in earthquake-stricken Herat, Afghanistan, provides a lifeline for those in need. Their presence at the Herat Regional Hospital, the establishment of medical tents, and the mobilization of supplies to the most affected areas demonstrate their unwavering commitment to delivering critical care to communities facing immense challenges. The selfless work of MSF and their teams is a testament to the power of humanitarian aid in times of crisis.
