“Operation Maiwand Stork” teaches Afghan women birthing, healthcare techniques

MAIWAND DISTRICT, KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers from Combined Task Force Spartan’s Brigade Special Troops Battalion and the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, hosted a series of healthcare and birthing classes for over 40 women in Maiwand district, Jan. 25, to decrease infant and maternal mortality rates.

Afghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, and the techniques taught were designed to improve sterile and safe birthing practices for pregnant women.

Capt. Lydia Zellers, a physician’s assistant with the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, led the classes and distributed birthing kits to each of the women. The kits are provided through an initiative known as, “Operation Spartan Stork,” which receives donated medical supplies, blankets, and baby products, and are pre-packaged in small bags for easy distribution.

After the class, a civil affairs team from the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion distributed three wheelchairs to disabled residents of Hutal. The wheelchairs are simply made – using a plastic chair with rubber wheels on the sides – and are low-cost and easy to assemble.

Coalition forces’ leaders were surprised at the turnout, and said the training was well-received among the receptive audience.

“The turnout and participation for today’s event surpassed our expectations, especially considering that this is but the first of three days worth of similar activities and the expectation of initial wariness on the part of the locals,” said Lt. Col. Jered Helwig, commander of the 710th Brigade Support Battalion.

The Soldiers plan on hosting two additional classes to keep up with the need throughout the district.

Tags: afghanistan, education, Feature, featured, gender, independence, Maiwand, medic, medicine, nato, nato training mission, NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, NTM-A, Operation Maiwand Stork, training

Category: Gender, News - Medical