Blacktown Hospital’s Dr. Tasnim Hasan, Infectious Diseases Staff Specialist, recently returned from a heartfelt assignment in Afghanistan.
She worked in a paediatric hospital in Mazar-i-Sharif, in the country’s north, as part of her third assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders.
MSF delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural or man-made disasters.
Tasnim shared her experience with The Pulse.
Tell us a bit about your experience with MSF so far.
I first signed up for Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders in 2019. I spent 12 months working on a drug-resistant tuberculosis project in Nukus, Uzbekistan. Following that, I spent six months in Malakal, South Sudan, in 2022. This was my third assignment with MSF.
How did you feel before going to Afghanistan?
It’s always difficult to anticipate what an assignment will be like. Every project is unique, not only in terms of culture, language, and food but also the work. Although MSF provides thorough debriefs and preparation, it’s hard to imagine what you’ll experience until you land!
For this project, I was particularly nervous as I was joining a paediatric project despite being an adult doctor. Although I had some paediatric experience in South Sudan, the Afghanistan project was entirely focused on paediatrics. Fortunately, I worked with an incredible team of over 50 highly competent locally hired doctors. It was a steep learning curve, and I gained invaluable knowledge from my excellent colleagues.
How did you feel when you first arrived and what happened when you got there?
Arriving is always a mix of uncertainty and exhilaration. I initially landed in Tajikistan before flying to Afghanistan. On my first day in Tajikistan, I met Garazi, a paediatrician from Spain, who became a close friend and colleague. Her support made navigating daily challenges much easier. It would have been hard to imagine Mazar without her!
Who were you looking after?
We cared for paediatric patients in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in a tertiary hospital. The facility had a large neonatal service with over 100 inpatients. During my time there, MSF expanded its coverage to include the paediatric intensive care unit. The hospital was extremely busy, with over 100–200 emergency presentations daily and ward occupancy rates exceeding 150% on most days. The dedication of the locally hired doctors and nurses was truly inspiring—they never complained and treated their patients with utmost care.
Was it confronting?
Yes, especially with the high mortality rate. As an adult doctor, paediatric mortality was very confronting.
Did you ever feel unsafe, or were you well supported during your assignment?
We were well looked after by MSF. The context is more stable than it has been in the past, and MSF takes security and safety very seriously. The national staff were also incredibly supportive.
What did you find most rewarding about the work and the trip?
Working with the Afghan staff. Rarely have I encountered such motivated and dedicated individuals committed to improving their skills and the wellbeing of their patients.
How do you feel after returning from the experience?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend six months in Afghanistan. I’ve made lifelong friends, gained unforgettable memories, and developed skills that will benefit my career.
Would you encourage others to do MSF work if they can and why?
Absolutely. Working overseas is challenging—it pushes your boundaries and comfort zones—but it’s incredibly rewarding. Each project has taught me more than I could give back.
Experiencing a place firsthand provides invaluable insights that enhance my work here in Blacktown Hospital. Many of my patients are from South Sudan and Afghanistan, and understanding their cultural backgrounds makes my job more enjoyable.
Being able to share stories and experiences with them is a unique part of my job.