The Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) has said it is committed to continuing its assistance program in Afghanistan.
As part of the commitment, MER-C sent an advance team to map health issues in Afghanistan, distribute initial assistance as the mandate of the Indonesian community, and launch MER-C’s subsequent program for Afghanistan, MER-C informed in a written statement received in Jakarta on Friday.
The advance team has returned to Indonesia after performing its duties in the humanitarian crisis-hit country from March 20 to 26, 2022.
The Indonesian humanitarian mission in Kabul facilitated a meeting between the MER-C team and key Afghan figures such as Vice Public Health Minister Habibullah Akhundzada and several directors of hospitals in Afghanistan.
The MER-C team also visited an Indonesian clinic dedicated to the Afghan people through the Indonesia-Afghanistan Friendship program. The clinic is located in Ahmad Shah Baba Mina district, around 20 kilometers from Kabul.
“From the visit we can convey that Afghanistan, in its very long journey, falls into humanitarian crisis and health crisis,” MER-C said in the statement.
According to MER-C, the Afghan people are currently facing problems such as malnutrition, stunting, and drug addiction, coupled with declining medicine stocks.
The crisis in Afghanistan has also created financial problems, with healthcare workers not receiving salaries for seven months after international aid to the country was frozen.
“Therefore, MER-C Indonesia appeals to elements of civil community to pay attention to Afghanistan. Let us work hand in hand to assist the Afghan people through this humanitarian crisis,” it said.
MER-C Indonesia has committed to preparing and providing further assistance in the form of a voluntary medical team, medicines, and assistance for capacity building.
Source: Antara News