Thalassemia Department of the National Blood Bank in Kabul

Project Summary

To address the critical shortage of specialized space for pediatric blood disorders, AAHP-UK funded and managed the construction of a dedicated expansion within the Thalassemia Department of the National Blood Bank in Kabul.

Children with thalassemia in Afghanistan require lifelong, regular blood transfusions. Before this project, facility constraints limited the department’s capacity. This new ward provides a clean, structured, and modern environment specifically designed to improve the patient experience and clinical workflow.

Infrastructure & Layout

The construction focused on a functional 12×12 meter footprint, optimized to maximize clinical space. The new structure includes:

• Two Large Rooms:Designed as primary transfusion and treatment areas to accommodate multiple patients simultaneously.
• One Small Room:Set aside for private consultations, administrative tasks, or specialized clinical storage.
• Central Hall:A waiting and circulation area to reduce congestion in the main hospital corridors.
• Three Bathrooms:Dedicated sanitation facilities for patients and staff, significantly improving the hygiene standards of the department.

Impact Statement

By funding this project, AAHP-UK has provided the National Blood Bank with the physical capacity to treat more patients in a dignified setting. This expansion reduces the burden on existing wards and ensures that children receiving life-saving transfusions have a dedicated, safe space for their care.