Save the Children has pledged to expand maternal and child health services across Afghanistan after its new country director met the country’s public health minister in Kabul on Wednesday.

The commitment came during a meeting between the newly appointed Director of Save the Children for Afghanistan, Bojer Hoja, and the Minister of Public Health, Noor Jalal Jalali, according to an official statement from the ministry.

Summarising the outcome of the talks, the ministry said the discussions focused on strengthening services for mothers and children, mobilising donor support and expanding the reach of health facilities.

It added that the meeting was also attended by the organisation’s former country director, Arshad Malik.

In the statement, the ministry said the minister welcomed the new director and praised the work of his predecessor, noting that Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali had “shared his guidance on the development of health services, assuring full cooperation in these areas.”

The statement quoted the new Save the Children chief as committing to scale up programmes for children and mothers, saying Bojer Hoja had pledged “to strengthen maternal and child health services, expand the number of health centres, and increase child health–related projects across Afghanistan.”

The announcement comes as Afghanistan continues to face severe pressure on its healthcare system. According to the United Nations, millions of children and pregnant women remain in need of basic health services, with funding shortfalls and staff shortages limiting access in many provinces.

Save the Children is one of the largest international organisations working in the country’s health and nutrition sector, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

The Ministry of Public Health said it expects the renewed partnership to help expand services where needs are greatest.

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