The partnership project between the Kliniken St. Elisabeth in Germany and the Irene Salimi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan aims to ensure compliance with high hygiene standards in care given to injured patients at the partner hospital.
Problem: The continuing armed conflict makes for high numbers of patients admitted to Afghan hospitals with serious injuries. The situation is compounded by a lack of drugs and medical equipment. The frequent need to treat open wounds poses major challenges for the hygiene standards on the ground.
Main activities: Training sessions are held at which German partners and hospital staff discuss how to disinfect hands and surfaces and how to prepare medical products. Training courses explain the essentials regarding antiseptic treatment measures and wound management, and structures are elaborated jointly for identifying children at high risk from infection. Methods are also taught for the use of antibiotics in order to treat infections efficiently. Courses for ‘rotating’ doctors, who are then to take their newly acquired knowledge to other Afghan hospitals, round off the partnership.
Short-term results: Injured patients can be treated in line with enhanced hygiene standards at the partner hospital.
Long-term results: ‘Rotating’ doctors will ensure improved care for injured patients throughout the country.