A Look at the Status of Health Care in Afghanistan In relation to The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

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Introduction
The Kite Runner is the first novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. The novel is about a Pashtun fellow, Amir, who realizes his childhood mistakes and begins a journey to emend them. Hosseini commenced inditing the novel in 2001 while practicing medicine (source). Therefore, his cognizance regarding health care is limpidly reflected in the novel by his writing style, and the conflicts in the lives of characters. For instance, Ali, who is a servant in Amir’s house and his father’s childhood friend, suffers from congenital paralysis of lower facial muscles and polio. Author’s description of his leg as “twisted, atrophied …. sallow skin over bone with little in between except a paper- thin layer of muscle“ shows his deep knowledge about diseases and symptoms (10). Moreover, these conflicts not only have noticeable impact in the development of the plot but also reflect on the miserable condition of healthcare in Afghanistan. Amir’s mother die during childbirth reveals the pathetic status of neonatal care in Afghanistan. Amir witness several health related issues and consequences in the lives of other characters throughout the story. Thus, the author utilizes him to highlight important themes relative to health care in Afghanistan like maternal death, child mortality, disability, addiction due to excessive drug use and deformities. In essence, the novel prompts certain questions like “What factors are downsizing the population of afghanistan? What is the overall condition of hospitals and healthcare professionals? Why do women face health care crisis? What home remedies are available as a substitute for poor health care conditions and are they truly helping people to recover?” Thus, this research...

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...ANISTAN: Landmine Deaths, Injuries Torment Villagers." IRINnews. IRIN, 28 Jan. 2010. Web. 01 Apr. 2014. .
This news report assesses the effects of landmine explosion in the lives of Afghans and provides a detailed illustration of a case that happened in Lashkar Gah.

“HIV/AIDS in Afghanistan.” THE WORLD BANK GROUP, 10 July 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2014. .

Brown, A. Widney., and LaShawn R. Jefferson. "VI. ILLUSTRATIVE CASES." Afghanistan, Humanity Denied: Systematic Denial of Women's Rights in Afghanistan. New York, NY.: Human Rights Watch, 2001. 16+. Print
This book by A. Widney Brown and LeShawn R.Jefferson reflects on the negative impacts of different Talib decrees on the overall development Afghan women.

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