Gul Afrooz, a 49-year-old community health worker (CHW), has dedicated her life to serving her neighborhood in Afghanistan. For over 17 years, Gul Afrooz has been a lifeline for her community, offering vital first aid care as a volunteer. Her journey, however, is not just a testament to her personal dedication but also to the empowerment initiatives that support women like her. Through the collaboration of WASSA and UN Women Afghanistan, Gul Afrooz’s journey has been further strengthened, allowing her to enhance her skills and serve her community with even greater proficiency.
“I’ve seen many difficult situations over the years,” says Gul Afrooz. “Sometimes, my neighbors are injured or their children get burned. I am the only person in my neighborhood and my village who can help them.”
Her story exemplifies the crucial role that community health workers play in areas where healthcare facilities are scarce. Living in a region where access to medical services is limited, Gul Afrooz stands as the first line of defense for many in her community. Her quick response to emergencies, whether it’s treating burns or administering basic first aid, has saved lives.
However, Gul Afrooz’s impact has grown even more profound through her partnership with WASSA. As part of the EVAW project, WASSA, in collaboration with UN Women Afghanistan, has been providing extensive first aid training to 600 dedicated CHWs like Gul Afrooz across Herat, Farah, and Badghis provinces. This training equips volunteers with the essential skills needed to respond to medical emergencies effectively and efficiently.
Through the training, Gul Afrooz has honed her first aid knowledge and gained access to crucial resources such as a first aid kit, which she now carries to every call for help. This practical support empowers her to make an even greater difference in her community. Upon completion of her training, Gul Afrooz was given a certificate and the tools to continue serving with the confidence that she is fully equipped to handle any emergency.
The work of volunteers like Gul Afrooz is an essential part of Afghanistan’s BHPS system, which strengthens the healthcare network by identifying and addressing local health needs. Her role is indispensable in ensuring the well-being and safety of her community, where healthcare is often miles away.
WASSA’s mission to empower women and provide them with resources has helped to shape Gul Afrooz’s path into becoming a beacon of hope in her neighborhood. Through their support, Gul Afrooz is now able to provide even more effective healthcare and continues to inspire others in her community, especially other women, to take an active role in health care and community welfare.
Gul Afrooz’s story is a testament to the power of community, training, and empowerment. As a woman who once relied on her natural instincts to help others, she is now a trained, certified health worker with the tools and knowledge needed to save lives. Her tireless efforts are a clear reflection of the immense value of community health workers in Afghanistan, who, like Gul Afrooz, go above and beyond to serve where the need is greatest.
Through the collaboration between WASSA and UN Women Afghanistan, Gul Afrooz and many others like her are empowered to transform their communities for the better—proving that with the right training and support, everyday heroes can emerge in the most unlikely of places.