| Work in the community
The UN has specifically requested the expertise of the Order to help rebuild society in Afghanistan. Members and volunteers are already working at creating a basic healthcare infrastructure, setting up schools and drinking water facilities in the western region of the country. To date, the Order has spent about £3million on healthcare and sanitation in the region, but even just a few pounds starts to make a huge difference. Vaccinations against tuberculosis or measles cost about £2.00 per child. The weekly salary of a local doctor is £30 and setting up a drinking water fountain costs £1,000. In August 2002, the Order was asked to set up Tent based hospitals in Kabul, in anticipation of being able to move later into the newly refurbished facilities in the training grounds of the Kabul police academy. A team of the Order's Doctors, nurses and medical assistants have been working there since then, on the Mandate of the UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan). They are also acting as advisors to the nascent medical services in the region. In 2006, we financed a community project on healthcare and hygiene coupled with income generating measures for women in the rural region.  |
