BOSTON, MA (JUNE 16, 2003) — After more than two decades of war, the health of Afghanistan's people is among the worst in the world. More than 800 children die every day, largely from preventable causes. Nearly 1 in 4 Afghan children will not reach his or her fifth birthday, and their mothers do not fare much better. An Afghan woman is 100 times more likely to die of pregnancy-related problems than her American counterpart. These deaths are not only preventable but are also a reflection of the poor access to basic health services, and insufficient health education and awareness.
