Newborn babies are cared for at a neonatal intensive care unit in Kabul.<br/> <br />The unit, run by a non profit organisation, is a sign of the slowly improving situation for mothers and children in Afghanistan.<br/> <br />For two years the country lay at the bottom of Save the Children's 'mother index' - making it the worst place on earth to be a mother.<br/> <br />But the organisation say in their latest report Afghanistan has climbed one place, due largely to improvements in healthcare and education.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) SENIOR MANAGER FOR ADVOCACY AT SAVE THE CHILDREN IN KABUL, RACHEL MARANTO:<br/> <br />"There has been progress for mothers and children in Afghanistan. Ten years ago there was not one girl in formal education, now there are 2.5 million girls in school and more girls are staying in school longer, so this is a huge achievement."<br/> <br />During the rule of the Taliban, women were denied access to general hospitals and not allowed outside without a male relative of her husband.<br/> <br />Today it's a different story.<br/> <br />Halima - who's 18-month-old son is recovering from a cleft lip operation paid for by a non profit organisation - says the situation is much improved.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) HALIMA, MOTHER FROM A VILLAGE IN CENTRAL BAMIYAN PROVINCE:<br/> <br />"During the Taliban regime this kind of operation was not possible in Afghanistan. We were not able to find a hospital if we ever decided to have an operation, we would have to go abroad, but now we are happy that this kind of operation happens in our country and it is free, we just have to come here and be operated on."<br/> <br />Despite these improvements Afghanistan remains a very difficult place for mothers, particularly in rural areas where life carries on much as it did under the Taliban.<br/> <br />The country still suffers from widespread malnutrition and growth problems, and according to Save the Chlidren 275 children die each day<br/> <br />Afghanistan's place at the bottom of the table is now taken by Niger.<br/> <br />Simon Hanna, Reuters.
