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On a cold October morning, 26-year-old Bibi Yasmin prepared to give birth. She arrived at Sawkhwar Sub-Health Centre in Narai district, eastern Kunar province, where staff received her immediately, assessed her condition and guided her through each step with calm reassurance.In remote areas like this, where travelling even a short distance is difficult and access to hospitals limited, delays in accessing health care can become life-threatening. Without skilled care, mothers risk complications such as heavy bleeding, infection and prolonged labour, while newborns may struggle to breathe and miss critical early interventions.By mid-morning, Yasmin had safely delivered a healthy baby. The moment she heard her child cry, relief replaced fear. Both mother and baby were stable, and the newborn began life with a strong start. Care continued beyond delivery. Yasmin received essential medicines and her baby was given its first vaccines. Health workers provided guidance on breastfeeding, keeping her baby warm and postnatal care. These simple but vital actions can prevent complications and save lives, particularly in the first days after birth.Without access to this support, Yasmin could have faced recovery risks at home and her baby might have missed early protection against disease. In many remote communities such gaps in care can have lasting consequences for families.“The staff at the clinic treated me with care and helped me safely deliver my baby. I am very grateful. The support I received after delivery helped me and my baby stay healthy. I never imagined getting such quick and good care so close to home. The clinic is a true blessing for our village,” Yasmin said.Highlighting the importance of accessible maternal and newborn care, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza said: “Ensuring that mothers and newborns have access to timely, quality care is essential to saving lives. WHO remains committed to supporting communities so that every mother and baby can receive the care they need, close to home.” For Yasmin, the availability of care brought peace of mind, a healthy beginning for her child and reassurance that help is within reach when it matters most.