The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73389

Marian Morris, MPHc, Department of Health Science, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, 408-924-4695, dperales@attbi.com

After the events of September 11, 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan, establishing itself as the governing power. One of the stated goals for a continuing presence in the country was helping the Afghan people re-establish a basic infrastructure, including health care. The author, along with several other health care professionals, traveled to Kabul in July 2002, to do an informal assessment of health care delivery services, and to understand the relationship between the U.S. government’s stated intentions and the results of its actions. Interviews were conducted with non-governmental organization directors, hospital administrators, and medical directors. This session will discuss the assessment methods and results, with accompanying photos that illustrate both the country and key findings. Lessons learned and recommendations for future coordination of international health organizations’ efforts regarding humanitarian efforts in post-intervention countries will be offered.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, viewers will be able to
• articulate what post-bombing health care conditions are like in Kabul,
• describe how the international efforts of governmental and non-governmental organizations are working to re-establish a health care infrastructure,
• describe the U.S.’s stated intentions in assuming governance of Afghanistan, and
• describe elements of a consistent policy for offering humanitarian assistance to countries the U.S. has bombed.

Keywords: War, Infrastructure

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.