Since the introduction of the basic emergency care (BEC) course in Afghanistan in December 2021, WHO has provided 18 rounds of BEC training to a total of 800 first contact health workers, including 333 women, who care for patients with acute illness or injury.

By adopting a systematic approach to the initial assessment and management of time-sensitive conditions such as injuries, infections, noncommunicable diseases, including mental health conditions, and acute complications of pregnancy, BEC early intervention saves lives.

The BEC course involves 5 days of in-person training relevant to many health care workers, including midwives, ambulance providers and doctors in a range of settings, including humanitarian crises.