PESHAWAR, Pakistan, 31 October 2007 – The UN refugee agency today handed over what has come to be known as the “Ambulance of Hope” to Afghans in Khurasan refugee village in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province.

UNHCR’s Senior Programme Officer, Sunday Shorunke, handed over the keys of the ambulance to Jehangir Khan, Country Director of International Medical Corps (IMC) on Wednesday. IMC will be operating the ambulance for timely response to medical emergencies not only for Khurasan, but also for the surrounding refugee and local villages. 

The donation is the outcome of a request by camp elder Abdul Rahim to a visiting delegation of “USA for UNHCR” in April 2006. Khurasan refugee village has one basic health unit (BHU) which does not offer specialised medical services. As a result, patients need to be transported to Peshawar town 20 km away in case of emergencies. It is more difficult for women and children in particular during late hours when local transport becomes scarce.

Impressed by the dignity and poise of Abdul Rahim, a medical doctor by qualification, one of the visiting delegates promised an ambulance to respond to any medical emergencies in the refugee village, particularly for the women and children. 

Once back in the United States, the donor, who prefers to remain anonymous, championed fundraising for the ambulance, matching donations with his own contribution. “The ambulance was purchased by many Americans who care about the welfare of Afghan and Pakistani people,” said the donor. “Our delegation was moved by Abdul Rahim's plea to be able to provide emergence medical assistance to the women in Khurasan while giving birth. It is also our hope that the vehicle is well used for any other medical emergencies.” 

While it took more than a year for the formalities to be completed, today was a milestone for the residents of Khurasan. Abdul Rahim was present at the handover ceremony with other refugee elders. “I am thankful to the donor for keeping his promise and to UNHCR for its efforts in providing the ambulance for the Afghans in the area,” he said. “We will establish a health committee, who will work closely with IMC for the management of the ambulance.”  

Khurasan camp is home to 8,378 Afghans, the majority of them ethnic Turkman, Tajik and Uzbek from Jawzjan, Nangarhar and Kunar in Afghanistan. Ninety percent of the families are carpet weavers. The camp is surrounded by three other refugee villages and occupies a central location among a total of nine camps in the Peshawar and Charsadda districts. In addition to UNHCR-funded basic health services, refugees have access to the basic services in the surrounding Pakistani villages. The ambulance is an emblem of the partnerships that the communities have forged over decades of co-existence, a step towards UNHCR and the Government of Pakistan’s efforts for the refugee affected and host areas (RAHA) initiative. 

“UNHCR is thankful for such a donation which would help the patients to get treatment in time,” said Shorunke. “We have had repeated pledges from visiting donors in the past, but we are happy that the promise of an ambulance to Khurasan refugee village has been realized. We will regularly monitor and evaluate the activities to make sure we meet the needs of the most vulnerable refugees.”

 By Rabia Ali

In Khurasan camp, Pakistan