Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Sustaining health systems and quality care in complex settings
Overview
For more than 50 years, Management Sciences for Health (MSH) has worked alongside Afghan institutions to strengthen health systems, improve quality of care, and expand access to essential services—particularly for women, children, and vulnerable communities.
Across decades of conflict, political transition, and funding volatility, MSH has remained a consistent partner—supporting the systems that enable care to continue, even under the most challenging conditions.
Improving quality of care for mothers and newborns
MSH’s current work in Afghanistan focuses on improving the quality of maternal and newborn health services through high-impact, system-based interventions.
- Quality improvement cycles are embedded across 50+ facilities
- Health workers receive hands-on mentorship in neonatal care, infection prevention, and management of complications
- Facility performance across key service areas improved from ~30% at baseline to over 80%+ in later assessments
Expanding access through community-based care
MSH supports group antenatal and postnatal care models that improve both access and experience of care. Implemented across 20 provinces, this approach has:
- Increased retention in care (up to 97% completion)
- Strengthened facility-based delivery rates
- Improved patient knowledge, satisfaction, and care-seeking behavior
Putting Systems Thinking into Practice in Afghanistan
While Afghanistan’s health system has seen steady improvements over the last two decades, a complex set of interconnected challenges presents persistent barriers that impede the delivery of universal health care services, especially in remote or otherwise underserved areas. To navigate these challenges, a systems thinking approach is crucial.
Accelerating the End of TB: Field Research from Management Sciences for Health — 2008-2022
Our approach
MSH works across all levels of the health system—from national policy to frontline service delivery—to strengthen performance, accountability, and resilience. This systems-based approach ensures that improvements are sustained—not dependent on short-term inputs. Our work focuses on:
Improving quality of care through institutionalized quality improvement systems
Building health workforce capacity through mentorship and continuous learning
Expanding access to primary health care through community-based models
Strengthening data systems to drive better decisions and accountability
Related Projects
Assistance for Families and Indigent Afghans to Thrive (AFIAT)
Leadership, Management and Governance Project
Job Opportunities in Afghanistan
Join us as we help solve the world’s public health challenges through innovation, dedication, and technical excellence. We are looking for talented, passionate people to join us—as employees, consultants, and interns—in advancing our mission to save lives and improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
