Paigard News Agency – Afghanistan

Reporter: Hamed Qasemi

Sunday, September 21, 2025

In one of Kabul’s halls today, an atmosphere full of hope and anticipation prevailed. A group of families whose children suffer from congenital cleft lip and palate sat with eager eyes, waiting for good news.

A delegation of German doctors announced at a press conference that in the coming days, more than 150 Afghan children will undergo specialized surgeries free of charge.

Support from Abroad for Children Inside the Country

Shahrbano Wataniar, head of the organizing institution, told reporters:

“This foundation was established to help Afghan children, and all its expenses are covered by personal resources and contributions from Afghans living abroad.”

According to the organizers, a large portion of the costs is borne by Afghans residing in Germany and other European countries, who, through voluntary cooperation, have created the necessary conditions to carry out such humanitarian programs.

This initiative is not limited to surgeries. Children suffering from severe burns are also being treated at Esteqlal Hospital in Kabul. In addition, for children with more complex conditions who cannot be treated in Afghanistan, arrangements are being made to transfer them to Germany for further treatment.

Moreover, the program includes psychological and social counseling. According to the organizers, these consultations help families and children reintegrate into normal social life with greater confidence after treatment.

For many Afghan parents, the news of such an opportunity feels like a dream come true. In a country where decades of war and crisis have severely weakened the healthcare system, the high cost of surgery has been beyond the reach of most families. Now, however, their children have access to treatment without any financial burden.

One mother, whose child was born with a cleft lip, said tearfully:

“For years I prayed for a solution. Today, I feel that a new hope has returned to our lives.”

Such initiatives, though they may seem small, bring new life to hundreds of Afghan families. The presence of international doctors and charitable organizations, at a time when Afghanistan’s health infrastructure is facing serious challenges, can help reduce part of the community’s heavy medical burden and create a brighter future for the next generation.