At least 45 Afghan children suffering from severe burns and osteoporosis - a low bone density condition - have been sent to Germany to receive treatment, Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) officials announced on Tuesday.

The initiative has been arranged with the help of Peace Village International – a German medical organization.

ARCS' International Relations and Media Officer, Sarma Afzali, said this is not the first time Afghan kids suffering from conditions that are particularly difficult to treat have been sent abroad, and, in the case of this initiative, to Germany. "It is the 70th group that has been sent to Germany for treatment, and includes 45 kids, including 10 girls and 35 boys," Afzali said on Tuesday.

According to an agreement between ARCS and Peace Village International, at least 45 to 80 Afghan youth get to travel to Germany for expert treatment every year. Within the next five days, some 55 patients who have received care through the program will return home to Afghanistan.

The kids are selected by Peace Village International, and their families often see the initiative as their only hope for treatment.