The Maternal and Child Health Products Social Marketing (ASMO) project, funded by USAID under the LHSS, was implemented from October 2022 to September 2023 to improve access to essential maternal and child health products in Afghanistan, with a strong focus on gender equity and social inclusion.

The project operated in Kabul, Balkh, Herat, Kandahar, and Nangarhar, reaching 40 districts and 60 urban areas through a network of 2,500 health product stores. During implementation, 130 new outlets were established and 573 inactive stores were reactivated, significantly expanding access to essential health products.

ASMO achieved strong health impact results, including 125,999 multiple-year protection (CYPs), 170,847 diarrhea cases treated with ORS/Zinc, and 41,096 people protected. In addition, more than 49 million liters of water were disinfected, improving household water safety.

To increase awareness and demand, the project conducted 3,599 health education sessions, reaching more than 53,000 people, and engaged 5.6 million people through digital campaigns. Overall outreach through media and events reached nearly 17 million people.

The project also strengthened the health system by training 325 pharmacists and 62 midwives, improving the quality of private sector services, and expanding family planning and maternal health services.

Despite challenges such as regulatory constraints, workforce constraints, and financial constraints, ASMO adapted through innovative outreach strategies and strengthened partnerships.

Overall, ASMO significantly improved access to maternal and child health services in Afghanistan through expanded distribution, community engagement, and capacity building of health providers. I want this text in Pashto and Persian.