Transforming Burn Treatment for Afghan Children
Burn accidents among children are a significant concern in Afghanistan, where unintentional injuries, including burns, are a leading cause of death and disability. The harsh living conditions, lack of safety measures, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure contribute to the high incidence of such injuries.
In a country where many families live in poverty and face daily hardships, children are particularly vulnerable. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, characterized by conflict, economic instability, and natural disasters, exacerbates these risks. Many homes use open flames for cooking and heating, increasing the likelihood of burns, especially among young children who are often left unattended. Kerecis collaborates with the University Children Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, to provide critical burn treatment for children at the pediatric burn unit of the Indira Ghandi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Additionally, Kerecis collaborates with the International Red Cross, University Hospital of Mannheim (University of Heidelberg) in Germany, and the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2019, Jarmila Štuková, a renowned Czech photographer and documentary filmmaker, visited the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health to document the challenges faced by the children of Kabul and the dedicated local doctors treating them. Her powerful images highlight these young patients’ harsh realities and resilience, bringing global attention to their plight and the critical need for improved healthcare solutions.