By Andrea Vogt | International Director Operation Mercy
Dear Friends and Supporters of Operation Mercy in Afghanistan,
Thank you for standing with us during these times of significant change and growing need around the world.
This past week, I—Andrea—had the privilege of traveling with our Country Director for Afghanistan for a few days. We drove over 1,500 kilometers, visiting partners of our work in Germany. Although we speak regularly online and I receive frequent project updates, it was a powerful experience to witness her passion, hope, and joy in person.
She radiates a deep love for the Afghan people—especially for women and children—and carries a hope rooted in conviction and a trust in God. This hope brings joy even amid immense suffering and hardship.
At the same time, she and all of us at Operation Mercy International are not blind to reality.
Our work in nutrition and maternal and child health is more urgently needed than ever before.
Changes in the international aid landscape have led to widespread cuts in humanitarian assistance. Sadly, countries like Afghanistan—and especially the most vulnerable people—are suffering the most.
In recent weeks, 400 clinics in Afghanistan were closed following the withdrawal of USAID. These clinics provided essential services: prenatal and newborn care, vaccinations, and treatment for primary health issues like diarrhea—conditions that are simple to treat but deadly when neglected.
Additionally, one-third of food supplies for malnourished children and pregnant women are being cut due to funding reductions for UN agencies.
In the face of these challenges, our project becomes even more critical.
Our two small clinics in Kabul will now serve a larger population, as clinics in neighboring districts have shut down. Our nutrition and child health program in Mazar-i-Sharif must now reach those previously served by mobile clinics—all of which have been discontinued due to the USAID cuts.
And as food aid diminishes, our community education programs become more vital than ever.
Let me tell you about Fatima, a former schoolteacher who now attends our nutrition classes. Here, she learns about breastfeeding, food groups, and how to create balanced meals—even something as simple as rice, chickpeas, and spinach. She then shares this knowledge with 12 women in her neighborhood, monitors babies and pregnant women, and refers anyone showing signs of undernourishment to our clinics.
For Fatima, these lessons are a lifeline. They offer her a space to teach, empower, and bring hope to other women. They strengthen her capacity and give her the courage to act for her community, even as the space for women in Afghanistan continues to shrink.
Our unique combination of clinic care and community education is saving lives in Afghanistan—every single day. I'm confident of that.
Even beyond our direct involvement, education will continue to save lives. It equips people to take responsibility for their own health and the well-being of their communities.
Seeing the impact of these stories on our supporters is a joy for us. And being able to offer you the chance to bring practical love, hope, and joy to Afghan families today excites us—almost as much as doing the work itself.
Thank you for continuing to support this project and for sharing it with your friends and family.
With gratitude,
Andrea and the Afghanistan Team
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