Première Urgence International Emergency Response to the attack in Momandara District
On the 11th September 2018, in an over-crowded tent, set in protest for the killing of a local pro-government militia leader, a suicide attacker detonated his explosive vest, taking 80 people’s life and wounding 160 more.
The attack on the protestors now stands as the deadliest in the Eastern Region of Afghanistan, for at least the past decade, one of the worse attacks in recent years in the country.
In the chaos of the mass-casualty event, injured were transferred to the nearest health facilities: the Ghani Khail District Hospital, Momandara and Lalpoora Comprehensive Health Centers. After receiving first aid, the most severe cases were referred to better-equipped and staffed facilities, in Jalalabad, namely the Nangarhar Regional and the Fatimah-Tul-Zahra Hospitals.
A continuous support in trauma care activities
Première Urgence Internationale constructed an emergency room at the Ghani Khail DH to respond to the growing number of conflict-induced trauma cases in the area, and since then provided a continuous support in trauma care activities, with regular on-job-training and supervision.
Première Urgence Internationale also currently supplies the emergency room with emergency kits and medical consumables, operating a 24 hours ambulance service, with one nurse and driver.
To be better equipped to respond to emergencies
Right after the incident, Première Urgence Internationale management teams contacted the health facility directors, quickly assessing the needs and the ways Première Urgence Internationale could support the response. The night shift nurse was called to support the medical staff in the emergency room, while the ambulance referred six patients to hospitals in Jalalabad.
That night, Ghani Khail DH received 84 casualties, 14 of which died before or shortly after arriving at the hospital. Première Urgence Internationale supplied drugs and medical consumables to the Fatimah-Tul-Zahra hospital the evening of the incident.
As the number of conflict-induced trauma cases continues to increase across Nangarhar province, Première Urgence Internationale remains firmly committed to maintaining its support to health facilities and health staff, to be better prepared and equipped to respond to emergencies and reduce the number of conflict and trauma-induced deaths in the Province.
This year, Première Urgence Internationale is constructing an emergency ward in the Fatimah-Tul-Zahra hospital, and two first aid trauma posts in Lalpoora and Pachir Agam, while supporting ten health facilities in Nangarhar and Kunar, with training, emergency kits, two 24/7 ambulances and medical supplies.
Answering the needs of the vulnerable population
Première Urgence Internationale also operates two mobile health teams, providing emergency primary health care, able to reach remote areas and communities with limited access to health services and often living in insecure areas.
Despite all existing challenges, Première Urgence Internationale teams remain firmly committed to standing side by side to the most vulnerable, providing lifesaving interventions, while investing in building local capacities.
This assistance has been possible thanks to the contribution of Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
