News overview
Impact stories

Stories of Séverine: tales of life and death in a maternity clinic in Afghanistan

Séverine, our dedicated obstetrician, takes you to Afghanistan. Her experiences as a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders in a maternity clinic in Khost offer a glimpse into the lives of Afghan women and the local health care professionals who work tirelessly to make a difference. Join Séverine on her journey as she gets to know Afghan culture, confronts personal challenges, and discovers the profound resilience of the human spirit.
Séverine-header
MSB108158(High) ©Doctors Without Borders

Greetings from Khost, Afghanistan

Séverine's story begins with her first visit to the maternity clinic in Khost, a sanctuary in a country haunted by relentless conflict, perpetual crises and the weight of an overburdened health system.

Read chapter 1
MSB108165(High) ©Doctors Without Borders

Just a standard day in Khost, Afghanistan

Séverine shares with us what a typical day in the maternity clinic looks like and the challenges that come with it.

Read chapter 2
Séverine (2) ©Doctors Without Borders

Things that matter, especially in Khost

Through firsthand experiences we find out what matters in Khost.

Read chapter 3
MSB108166(High) ©Doctors Without Borders

"Rule number one in politics: never invade Afghanistan"

Afghanistan has had a long history of war, and it doesn't seem that that will change any time soon.

Read chapter 4
MSB108164(High) ©Doctors Without Borders

The thin line between hope and despair

Giving birth in Khost is often coin toss between life and death.

Read chapter 5
joel-heard-h7wEYf-LUCk-unsplash ©Joel Heard (Unsplash)

The bomb attack

In the heart of Afghanistan's turmoil, life in Khost defies the odds and we continue to provide maternal care amidst chaos.

Read chapter 6
farid-ershad-rWM8znrkLxM-unsplash ©Farid Ershad (Unsplash)

The return of the Taliban

After 20 years the American forces leave Afghanistan. The Taliban are in full control again. What will this mean for women and girls?

Read chapter 7
nasim-dadfar-lr-unsplash ©Nasim Dadfar (Unsplash)

Between tea parties and the Taliban: new life and death

The consequences of the Taliban regime become apparent. Meanwhile we struggle with losses and celebrate new life.

Read chapter 8
meta_image

Doctors Without Borders

Want to know more about their work or support their activities?

Visit website
Severine-caluwaerts-2018-alumni-webinar-resized

About Séverine

Séverine Caluwaerts is a gynaecologist / obstetrician at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. As a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders, she was active in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Afghanistan, among others.

Spread the word! Share this story on

More stories