Surrounded by destruction and rubble, a midwife in Afghanistan walked hours to help deliver a baby with just a first aid kit, as the country was hit by yet another earthquake overnight and aid agencies continue to try to access hard-to-reach areas.

Pakiza*, 25, a midwife with four years of experience at Save the Children, travelled through blocked roads and rubble to get to the earthquake affected areas, where she was quickly asked by residents asked her to help a pregnant woman who was in active labour.

Without a tent and with just a first aid kit, Pakiza helped the mother find a safe space to deliver her healthy baby girl and remained to provide support to community members and stabilise the mother and newborn. Pakiza says there’s now an urgent need for essential maternal health supplies, sanitary products, and clothing for women living in remote areas who have been affected by the earthquake.

Pakiza said:

“The baby was born in the middle of the trees, no tent, no roof. It was a tough situation, but I feel relieved that I was able to help the mother and baby.” 

“I did my best to help her. After one hour, a baby girl was born. Both the mother and baby were stable.

“As a midwife and medical worker, I ask aid organisations to provide affected communities—especially women, with medical support. For example, mobile health teams should be equipped with supplies needed for childbirth.”

So far, Sunday's earthquake has killed over 1,300 people and wounded over 2,000 others [1], although these numbers are likely to change as rescue workers continue to reach more remote areas. Another strong earthquake struck Afghanistan's remote south-eastern region on Thursday night [2], the third earthquake in less than one week, as the country continues to reel from aftershocks.