Health Services & Capacity Building for Health Professionals

AABRAR’s Holistic Health Evolution Since 1992

Founded in 1992, the Afghan Amputee Bicyclists for Rehabilitation and Recreation (AABRAR) began as a grassroots initiative to restore the mobility and dignity of persons with disabilities (PwDs) through specialized bicycle training. However, as AABRAR expanded its physical rehabilitation services across Afghanistan, it became clear that the health needs of vulnerable Afghans—especially persons with disabilities, women, and children—required a broader, more holistic approach.

Over the last three decades, AABRAR has integrated its physical rehabilitation expertise into the wider healthcare system. AABRAR recognized that general healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, often lacked the specialized knowledge to treat patients with disabilities respectfully and effectively. To address this, AABRAR expanded its mandate to include building the capacity of Afghanistan’s medical workforce, responding to health emergencies, and addressing the unique maternal and reproductive health challenges faced by vulnerable women.

AABRAR’s Health Sector Activities

AABRAR implements a comprehensive health strategy that bridges the gap between specialized physical rehabilitation and general community healthcare.

1. Capacity Building for Health Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, & Midwives)

Activities: AABRAR conducts specialized "Physical Rehabilitation and Disability Awareness" training workshops for healthcare professionals across various provinces (including Kabul, Logar, Parwan, Kapisa, Laghman, Panjshir, and Kunar). AABRAR specifically targets midwives, nurses, and doctors, training them on how to provide respectful, inclusive, and stigma-free care to pregnant women and patients with physical disabilities. AABRAR equips midwives with the skills to safely manage pregnancies and deliveries for women with physical impairments, ensuring that maternal healthcare is accessible to all.
Generous Donors: AABRAR’s capacity-building workshops for health professionals and midwives are generously supported by the European Union (EU) and UNMACA.

2. Mobile & Fixed Physiotherapy Services

Activities: AABRAR operates fixed rehabilitation centers and deploys mobile health teams to hard-to-reach areas. AABRAR’s physiotherapists provide specialized care for patients recovering from injuries, war wounds, and congenital conditions. AABRAR ensures that patients in remote or conflict-affected areas receive continuous physical therapy, pain management, and mobility training.
Generous Donors: AABRAR’s physical rehabilitation and mobile health services are generously funded by the WHO (World Health Organization) and MACCA/UNOPS.

3. Emergency Health & Pandemic Response

Activities: As an active member of the national Health Cluster, AABRAR responds rapidly to health emergencies and disease outbreaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AABRAR implemented extensive awareness campaigns, distributed vital hygiene and health supplies, and educated communities on virus prevention. AABRAR also provides emergency health responses to populations affected by natural disasters, drought, and conflict, ensuring access to basic medical care.
Generous Donors: AABRAR’s emergency health responses are made possible by the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF/OCHA) and UNICEF.

4. Maternal Health, GBV, and Dignity Kit Distribution

Activities: AABRAR addresses the unique biological and safety needs of women and girls. AABRAR integrates Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness into its health programs and distributes Dignity Kits (containing menstrual hygiene products and essential items) to vulnerable women, new mothers, and displaced females. AABRAR also raises community awareness about women's health rights and the prevention of violence against women.
Generous Donors: AABRAR’s maternal health, GBV awareness, and dignity kit distributions are supported by AHF/OCHA and the GBV Sub-Cluster.

5. Preventative Health & Disease Awareness

Activities: AABRAR conducts widespread public health awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of diseases. AABRAR’s health teams and community mobilizers educate the public on HIV/AIDS prevention, mine/ERW risk awareness, and general hygiene practices. AABRAR also provides specialized workshops on the rights of persons with disabilities within the healthcare system, ensuring medical staff understand their obligations under the UNCRPD.
Generous Donors: AABRAR’s preventative health and awareness campaigns have been supported by WHO and UNICEF.

Beneficiaries of AABRAR’s Health Programs

AABRAR’s health initiatives are designed to support both the frontline healthcare workers and the most vulnerable patients in Afghanistan:

Midwives, Doctors, and Nurses: Frontline health workers who gain life-changing skills through AABRAR’s capacity-building workshops, enabling them to offer inclusive and specialized care.
Pregnant Women and Mothers (including those with Disabilities): Women who require safe, accessible maternal healthcare and awareness of their reproductive rights.
Survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Vulnerable women and girls who receive dignity kits, health awareness, and support.
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and War Victims: Individuals requiring ongoing physiotherapy, prosthetics, and specialized medical attention.
Conflict, Drought, and Disaster-Affected Communities: Families facing acute health crises, disease outbreaks, or displacement.
Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Displaced populations lacking access to basic health facilities and maternal care.

Our Generous Partners in Health

AABRAR’s ability to strengthen Afghanistan’s healthcare system and provide life-saving medical support is made possible by the generous funding and coordination of its dedicated partners. AABRAR extends its deepest gratitude to:

WHO (World Health Organization)
European Union (EU)
Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF/OCHA)
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)
UNMACA (United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan)
MACCA/UNOPS
The Health Cluster & GBV Sub-Cluster
(Additional AABRAR multi-sector donors include: UNHCR, WFP, UNDP, USAID, USIP, DAI, The Asia Foundation, and Clear Path International).

Through these comprehensive health initiatives and the unwavering support of its partners, AABRAR continues its 34+-year mission of healing wounds, empowering frontline health workers—including midwives—and ensuring that every Afghan, regardless of ability or background, has access to quality, compassionate healthcare.