Physical Health Nepal Project #17477

Surgery for Children with Disabilities in Nepal

by American Himalayan Foundation

Project Report | Oct 7, 2026
Aanan stands tall

By Sarah Beckhaus | Communications Manager

Aanan was born with severe congenital kyphoscoliosis. As he grew, the curvature of his spine became more pronounced, affecting not only his posture but also his breathing. Everyday activities became increasingly difficult, and his family, who work as laborers, had neither the resources to pay for, nor access to the specialized care he desperately needed.

The physical challenges were only part of his struggle. At school, Aanan endured constant teasing and exclusion by classmates. Over time, the ridicule took a toll, and the once cheerful young boy became withdrawn and isolated. Like many children living with untreated disabilities in rural Nepal, he felt stuck, accepting he would have to live that way forever.

But when HRDC’s mobile outreach team visited his community, he saw a different future might be within reach. During a routine screening clinic, staff diagnosed his condition and referred him to HRDC’s hospital in Banepa.

There, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists, and orthotists developed a comprehensive treatment plan. Aanan underwent complex spinal reconstruction surgery, followed by months of rehabilitation and physical therapy. A custom brace, designed and manufactured in HRDC’s own orthotic workshop, supported his spine during recovery.

As he regained his strength and the pain eased, Aanan rediscovered the confidence that years of stigma had taken away. He returned to school standing taller, with a renewed belief in what his future could hold. Today, Aanan dreams of becoming a teacher.

His story is a powerful reminder that HRDC does much more than perform surgeries. By finding children through community outreach, providing world-class medical care, and supporting rehabilitation every step of the way, HRDC helps children reclaim not only their mobility, but also their confidence and hope for the future.

HRDC has now provided life-changing care to well over 130,000 children throughout Nepal. Every consultation, every surgery, every prosthetic limb, every rehabilitation session, and every child’s smile is made possible by supporters like you. Thank you for supporting this work and for making these incredible transformations possible.

To learn more about our work and the HRDC please visit the links below:

All names have been changed for privacy and images are representative. Photo credits: Luigi Fieni

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Feb 26, 2026
Arjun's Steps Towards a Brighter Future

By Sarah Beckhaus | Communications Manager

Arjun is from one of Nepal’s most underprivileged districts in the Terai. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a congenital condition also known as brittle bone disease. Caused by defects in collagen production, the rare disorder made his bones extremely fragile. From a very early age, he suffered from frequent bone fractures, and skeletal deformities have made everyday life extremely challenging.

Arjun’s parents work as day laborers and struggle to meet even basic needs, so many of his injuries went without proper care and healing. For years, he was unable to walk on his own and depended entirely on others to help him with day-to-day tasks. He couldn’t go to school or play with friends, and his family lived in constant worry about his future.

Everything changed for Arjun when a mobile clinic run by the Hospital and Rehabilitation center for Disabled Children (HRDC) traveled through his village. Recognizing the severity of his condition, doctors admitted him to the main hospital in Banepa to receive specialized surgery. Through a series of careful procedures and months of rehabilitation, both of Arjun’s legs were straightened, allowing him to stand and walk on his own for the first time in his life.

Today, Arjun is living with newfound independence. He has returned to school and dreams of becoming a teacher—eager to build a life defined not by his condition, but by his potential. He continues to return to HRDC for annual check-ups, each visit marking another milestone in his progress.

Arjun’s story is one of many. Each year, hundreds of children with conditions like his receive life-changing surgeries, rehabilitation, and care. With the right support, children who struggle every day to live a normal life can gain independence and feel hopeful for their future.

Thank you for supporting HRDC and helping make these transformations possible.

To learn more about our work and the HRDC please visit the links below:

All names have been changed for privacy and images are representative. Photo credits: Luigi Fieni

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Oct 8, 2025
Overcoming Challenges Together at HRDC

By Sarah Beckhaus | Communications Manager

Massive cuts to U.S. foreign aid aren’t just news headlines or numbers on a spreadsheet, they’re impacting children around the world, including in Nepal.

In February, USAID suddenly cancelled a major grant for the Hospital and Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children (HRDC) after the medical equipment had been ordered, leaving the hospital with a crushing debt they could not repay.

AHF has partnered with HRDC for over 30 years and knows how vital their work is. We immediately called Dr. Bibek Banskota, HRDC’s Executive Director, and offered to send emergency funding to cover the cost, so they could focus on what they do best: caring for their young patients.

HRDC is the only pediatric orthopedic hospital in Nepal, providing children with surgical interventions, physical therapy, and community based follow up care at little to no cost to their families.

Last year, they transformed the lives of 24,300 of Nepal’s most vulnerable children, helping them run, walk, and thrive.

One of those children is Rupa. After falling into a kitchen fire, Rupa’s left arm was badly burned and then contracted, severely limiting her mobility. Her parents sold everything they owned to afford treatment at a government hospital, but her condition only worsened. Rupa suffered in silence.

Then an HRDC mobile clinic found her and her life changed forever. The HRDC team performed multiple surgeries and gave her intensive physical therapy. Today, Rupa is back in school, surrounded by friends, and dreaming of going into public service so she can be a voice for others.

When USAID pulled HRDC’s funding, AHF stepped up, but we couldn’t do it alone. Thanks to your kindness, we can help keep transformative work going, ensuring more children like Rupa get the care they need and deserve.

On behalf of Rupa and over 130,000 children who have been treated by our partner, HRDC, thank you for making this life-changing work possible.

To learn more about our work and the HRDC please visit the links below:

All names have been changed for privacy and images are representative. Photo credits: Luigi Fieni.

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