Source: Amu TV
Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s health system remains fragile after decades of conflict and underfunding. Families in rural and mountainous areas face long and difficult journeys to reach specialized care, and delays in treatment often increase risks for newborns and infants. Child survival indicators reflect these challenges: under-five mortality is among the highest in the region, and many children still lack timely access to surgical services.
Pediatric surgery is beginning to expand in Afghanistan, with dedicated operating theaters and trained teams showing what is possible when resources are in place. Yet pediatric neurosurgical capacity remains extremely limited, leaving families with hydrocephalus and spina bifida to travel long distances or face delays in receiving care.
In 2024, NeuroKids identified this urgent gap through our connection with Dr. Mohammad Aziz-Sultan, Chief of Vascular Neurosurgery at Mass General Brigham, Co-Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. A colleague and friend of NeuroKids founder Dr. Benjamin Warf, Dr. Aziz-Sultan helped highlight the pressing need for pediatric neurosurgical care in Afghanistan and connected NeuroKids with local surgeons. That same year, NeuroKids launched a fundraising campaign to bring access to modern pediatric neurosurgery to the country. By early 2025, Afghan neurosurgeons trained with NeuroKids faculty in Kenya, learning to perform the Warf procedure (ETV/CPC). With hands-on mentorship and ongoing remote support, Afghan children were treated locally for the very first time in Jalalabad. Early cases show strong promise, and families have expressed profound relief at being able to access safer surgery closer to home.
NeuroKids and our Afghan partners are now building a comprehensive pathway for safer anesthesia, post-operative follow-up, and parent education. The team is scaling work in Afghanistan to ensure that more children can benefit from life-changing care. At the same time, NeuroKids sees an opportunity to strengthen prevention through caregiver counseling and maternal nutrition initiatives that can reduce neural tube defects and improve newborn health.
Number of children who have received hydrocephalus surgeries since NeuroKids intervention
6 Children
Since 2025
Partners
Nangarhar Regional Hospital
J A L A L A B A D
AWAKEN Afghanistan
AWAKEN Afghanistan is committed to serving the women and children of Afghanistan through healthcare provision, education, clean water initiatives and vocational training. Our partnership supports the neurosurgeon and team in Jalalabad, ensuring every child will have access to surgical care and support needed to live a long, healthy life. Learn more.
Afghanistan Team
Dr. Zamiruddin Khalid
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Zamiruddin Khalid is a distinguished neurosurgeon, professor, and department head with extensive experience in clinical practice, academic leadership, and medical education. Based in Jalalabad, Nangarhar, he has been at the forefront of neurosurgical care and teaching in eastern Afghanistan for over a decade.
Dr. Khalid’s academic work focuses on improving neurotrauma outcomes, advancing paediatric neurosurgical techniques, and strengthening evidence-based practices in resource-limited settings. He actively contributes to conferences and workshops across Afghanistan and South Asia.
Since 2010, Dr. Khalid has resided in Jalalabad with his wife and five children, dedicating his career to advancing neurosurgical services, improving trauma management, and fostering academic excellence in the region. His commitment to patient care, research, and mentorship has made him one of the most respected figures in Afghanistan’s medical community.
Dr. Khyber Safi
NEUROSURGEON
Dr. Khyber Iqbal Safi is a highly respected neurosurgeon and academic leader based in Jalalabad, Nangarhar. Since 2001, he has lived in Jalalabad with his wife and four children, contributing extensively to the region’s healthcare and medical education systems.
Dr. Khyber earned his medical degree from the University of Paktia Afghanistan and completed his residency in neurosurgery at Nangarhar Regional Hospital. With over a decade of clinical experience, he currently serves as a consultant neurosurgeon at Nangarhar Regional Hospital and is the coordinator of the NeuroKids Program in Jalalabad, focusing on paediatric neurosurgical care.
In the academic sphere, Dr. Khyber holds the position of Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and serves as the Dean of the Medical Faculty at Rokhan Medical University, Nangarhar. His commitment to medical education and research has made a significant impact on the next generation of Afghan healthcare professionals.
Dr.Khyber also brings valuable experience in hospital administration. He previously served as the Medical Director of Hamza Hospital, Jalalabad, where he played a key role in hospital management and clinical leadership for three years.
Get Support
NeuroKids partners with local public and private children’s hospitals and individual surgeons to help build the skills and systems to better address hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
We train and support neurosurgeons in The Warf procedure using today’s technology to close the gap in surgical training and promote best practices in treatment and care. Through both in-person and remote technology, as well as equipment and supplies, we ensure practical training at scale, saving time and money.
Please reach out to learn how we can support your hospital with pediatric neurosurgical training and supplies, enabling your team to provide proven services and ensure children with hydrocephalus and spinal bifida receive the most effective care.
Donate
Donate now and join us in our mission to make it possible for children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida to live longer and better lives. Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
