Challenges in RMNCH, WASH, and Nutrition Services in Afghanistan
Afghanistan grapples with urgent challenges in Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health (RMNCH), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and Nutrition. The country has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in Asia, with 35% of women lacking prenatal care and a high percentage giving birth at home without skilled support (WHO, 2021). Malnutrition is a critical issue, affecting millions of children and pregnant women, with estimates indicating that 2.9 million children under five will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024 (UNICEF, 2023). Access to safe drinking water is severely limited, with only 12% of the urban population treating their water, leading to preventable diseases (AfDHS, 2015). Additionally, socio-cultural barriers restrict women’s access to essential health services, exacerbating these health challenges.
ASMO's Integrated Solutions for Increasing Access to RMNCH, WASH & Nutrition Services.
The Afghan Social Marketing Organization (ASMO) is adopting an integrated approach to address these challenges by targeting urban areas and saturating commercial markets with priority health products, complemented by partnerships in public sectors to serve underserved rural populations.
Initiative 1: Improve Health Commodities Supply Chain Management
ASMO aims to enhance its supply chain by reallocating resources to maximize access to priority health products in urban areas. Despite good penetration in pharmacies and health facilities, overall access remains inadequate due to limited outlets, socio-cultural barriers, and low demand for preventive health practices. ASMO will implement strategies to improve coverage and visibility of its products in traditional and non-traditional markets including pharmacies, health facilities, supermarkets and women’s markets. By implementing innovative sales and customer apps, we aim to streamline distribution, allowing for efficient real-time reporting and better inventory management. These efforts will ensure that essential health products are accessible to the population that needs them most.
Initiative 2: Expand the Range of Health Provisions
ASMO will institutionalize a system to screen, develop, and launch new health products that meet national needs while aligning with donor priorities. This includes expanding its product basket, notably in family planning (FP) and maternal and child health (MCH) services. From 2019 to 2024, ASMO successfully launched several critical health products, and it will continue to explore new areas for growth. The organization aims to tap into additional health services while ensuring sustainable revenue generation through sales. ASMO will focus on delivering essential health services, commodity procurement, humanitarian response programs, and training initiatives, aiming to optimize its operational footprint while improving health outcomes across the community.
Initiative 3: Establish Health Coverage in Underserved Areas
ASMO will expand its network of private providers, focusing on family planning and preventive healthcare in urban areas. By enhancing standalone midwifery clinics, private hospitals, and pharmacies in poorly serviced neighborhoods, ASMO will ensure that low-income populations have access to essential health services. New clinics will be strategically located in underserved areas and equipped with trained healthcare providers, fostering comprehensive care and preventive services. In addition to physical health facilities, ASMO will pursue partnerships with public sectors and donors to enhance access to affordable health products.
Initiative 4: Enhance Access to Clean Water and Nutrition
ASMO addresses water and nutrition challenges by promoting water disinfection solutions, such as Abpakon and Aquatabs, and implementing programs to combat anemia and malnutrition. We distribute essential nutritional products, like iron supplements and micronutrient powders, through community health workers and health clinics, ensuring that these products reach those most in need. Collaborating with local healthcare providers, ASMO aims to make critical nutritional interventions accessible and affordable, improving the overall health of women and children in Afghanistan.
