Himalayan Healthcare for 5000: Save Lives in Nepal

Namaste Friends,

In this report, we are going to share how our team at Maila village in Humla district in far west Nepal was able to support the safe delivery of twins at the health post with very basic level facilities.

Puja Khadka (name changed), is a resident of Humla, Maila. She resides with her five-member family. Her family depends on agricultural activities, like many other people in the community, to meet their daily necessities.

On 15 July 2022, she was brought to the health post at Maila village, one of the remote health facilities supported by PHASE Nepal. She was quickly placed in a resting position for her history and examination. Her expected date of delivery was on July 17, 2022. She had received all her antenatal checkups at 4, 6, and 8 months, and she was informed about her condition from the early stage. And during her final checkup at 8 months, she was also advised to get an Ultrasound. However, she chose not to do so because the ultrasound facility is not available in the village. Her family’s financial limitations forced her to rely on the local facilities.

On examination, her vital signs were found normal. She had consistent contractions. One of the babies was in the vertex position and the next was in the breech presentation. The fetal heart sound of both the baby was normal.

In less than two hours at 7:45 am successfully the babies were delivered at 15 minutes intervals.  After the delivery third stage management was done. A neonatal examination was completed. The babies and mother had stable health conditions. The babies were wrapped in warm clothes. The first baby weighs 3200 grams, and the second baby weighs 2500 grams.

Additionally, the mother received anti-infection, pain relief medications, and iron tablets for 45 days as per protocol.

After 24 hours of observation mother and baby’s health, they were discharged with counseling on suture care, baby care, personal hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding, nutrition for the mother, family planning, immunization, follow-up care, and mother care counseling to family members.

This is one of the complicated delivery conducted at the Maila health post. The mother shared, “Thanks to PHASE health workers they were always with me throughout my journey, and they counseled me just like my sisters. I am doing well because I have been following the health guidelines ANMs shared at the meetings.”   

Twin pregnancies are more likely to be complicated and thanks to the support of people like you we were able to provide intensive antenatal check-ups and timely counseling, and delivery care.

Your contribution has helped us improve healthcare in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Thanks for your generous response and support.

Furthermore, in the last quarter, June-August 2022, in total 15,793 people were reached through PHASE Nepal supported 13 health posts for consultation on various diseases, infections, and emergency health services in PHASE project districts Mugu, Humla, Bajura, Sindhupalchok, and Gorkha. In this period 14,168 community people were engaged in health awareness sessions on infection prevention measures like frequently washing hands, maintaining personal hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and timely seeking medical advice through PHASE-supported health facilities, along with essential maternal and child health-related sessions.

 As a result of your generous contribution, we have been able to save lives and raise awareness about the importance of following healthy behaviors. We'll keep you informed on the strength of your community support in Nepal.

Thank you

PHASE Nepal Team