Electronic books to teach Afghans basics of public health
Washington-AP -- Talking books are being sent to Afghanistan. The Bush administration is announcing tomorrow that the books are aimed at teaching women basic lessons of public health.
The books have a small wand that touches images of everyday life in Afghanistan. Scenes are then described in the country's two principle languages, Dari or Pashto. One scene shows how to make safe drinking water. Another shows basic infant care.
Health clinics will get an initial 20-thousand to distribute.
Afghanistan has high maternal and infant mortality rates. U-S government officials say Afghan women's health had been ignored under the Taliban regime.
The program was developed jointly by Health and Human Services and LeapFrog Enterprises of Emeryville, California, the maker of LeapPads. It was paid for by a government grant.
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