The Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan celebrated Community Health Workers’ Day on 5 December 2012. This day was celebrated to express recognition of and solidarity with over 22 000 community health workers in Afghanistan.
In an official ceremony to mark the Day, Dr Najia Tariq, Deputy Minister of Public Health, said that community health workers were an important segment in Afghanistan’s health sector through which delivery of quality health care services and referrals are ensured in remote parts of the country.
Dr Sayed Karam Shah, WHO Medical Officer, said “The most important lesson for us, the international community, our host and the Afghan society, is that we get to witness great examples of people with integrity rising up under very challenging conditions to take responsibility for their fellow Afghans to improve life in Afghanistan. Recognizing the critical contribution of community health workers and encouraging them to continue their voluntary support to their communities is vital for development of the health care culture in Afghanistan.