In 2009 Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS) requested KEIHAN Foundation to support the anatomical dissection program of KUMS. Since 2009 KEIHAN Foundation and partners realized preliminary steps of this project: i.a. training the first anatomy lecturer from KUMS at Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), purchasing and preparing the anatomical specimens and setting up of a media library with e-learning at the KUMS. KEIHAN Foundation managed to facilitate and organise this project, under supervision of Dr. E. Mahtab, cardio-thoracic surgeon and co-founder of KEIHAN Foundation. In 2019 Dr. Zalmai, lecturer and head of the Anatomy department in KUMS, was invited to the LUMC for a training period with the purpose to learn the anatomical preparation and dissection processes.
During his two months stay in Leiden, Dr. Zalmai was trained by professionals of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology of the LUMC to re-introduce anatomical techniques in Afghanistan. In March 2019, during a special ceremony held at the Embassy of the I.R. of Afghanistan in The Hague, Dr. Zalmai received his certificate for completing the training successfully.
“I’m grateful to KEIHAN foundation and partners for organizing this project and inviting me to the Netherlands. This project is essential for the development of the medical curriculum at KUMS. I hope to see PhD- and master programmes offered for Afghan students and young professionals in the future”
Dr. Zalmai said.
In April 2019 Dr. Zalmai returned to Kabul. In the second half of 2019 KEIHAN Foundation expects to send the anatomical specimens to KUMS where the anatomical dissection education after 27 years can be re-started.
The re-introduction of anatomical dissection has been a logical next step in the innovation process of the anatomy curriculum of the KUMS. It is also an important step in the partnership and cooperation in higher education between the Netherlands and Afghanistan.
In this project KEIHAN Foundation has cooperated with several partners. Without the support of these partners, the realisation of the Anatomy project would have been impossible. We are honoured and grateful for the support of al our partners. Special gratitude to the organisations listed below:
Leiden University
Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Department of Anatomy and Embryology
Dutch Medical & Science Consultancy (DMSC)
Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS)
Embassy of Afghanistan in The Hague
Embassy of The Netherlands in Kabul
The International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Wilde Ganzen Foundation
Applied Medical
