8 April 2026, Kabul, Afghanistan - On a cool October morning, 26-year-old Bibi Yasmin prepared to give birth. She arrived at Sawkhwar Sub-Health Centre in Narai district, eastern Kunar province, where staff received her immediately, assessed her condition and guided her through each step with calm reassurance. Clinic staff check a newborn at Sawkhwar Sub-Health Centre. Photo credit: WHO Afghanistan. In remote areas like this, where travelling even a short distance is difficult and access to hospitals limited, delays in accessing health care can become life-threatening. Without skilled care, mothers risk complications such as heavy bleeding, infection and prolonged labour, while newborns may struggle to breathe and miss critical early interventions. By mid-morning, Yasmin had safely delivered a healthy baby. The moment she heard her child cry, relief replaced fear. Both mother and baby were stable, and the newborn began life with a strong start. Care continued beyond delivery. Yasmin received...