Saving lives, one birth at a time

We have been hard at work upgrading birthing centers in areas of high need in the District of Baglung in order to reach our goal of upgrading ten birthing centers in this district. The upgrades range from providing structural renovations and improved plumbing to equipping the centers the most basic delivery equipment to providing more advanced devices such as portable ultrasound machines. These upgrades are essential to ensure access to clean, safe deliveries in the remote areas of Nepal where we work. The birthing centers that we support are equipped to handle normal deliveries and manage certain emergencies. To demonstrate the impact that the upgrades are having so far, last month it was reported that there had been a 300% increase in deliveries at the Hatiya birthing center since it was upgraded. The upgraded facility has allowed more women to deliver at the local health post and has thus reduced the amount of unnecessary, and often dangerous, transfers over rough roads that were frequently made to referral hospitals prior to these upgrades.

Thanks to a partnership with We Care Solar, OHW is able to provide solar electricity in these birthing centers using their innovative Solar Suitcases. The lack of stable electricity at many birthing centers makes it very difficult for Skilled Birth Attendants to safely attend deliveries occurring in the middle of the night. Each Solar Suitcase is equipped with an 18-volt battery and two LED lamps that provide very bright light that is sufficient to light the way for birth attendants. In some cases the Solar Suitcase is capable of charging the battery of a portable ultrasound, making it possible to provide ultrasound services at any time of day, aiding in the early detection of pregnancy complications.

With Solar Suitcases, we are able to now provide ultrasound machines to the birthing centers in birthing centers or referral clinics. These ultrasound machines are strategically in highly populated areas as an effort to bring maternal health services closer to those mothers who need it most.

In addition to these facility upgrades, we provide trainings on how to use all the equipment. In March, OHW held a training for 30 people in the use of the ultrasound. Those trained included a combination of skilled birth attendants (SBAs), nurses and doctors that are located in the communities where the ultrasounds are placed. On a recent trip to Baglung, we installed two of the Solar Suitcases in two birthing centers and trained four SBAs on how to install, operate, and maintain them. In the next few months we will be installing seven more suitcases and training 14 more SBAs on ultrasound use and maintenance.

The best way to learn about the programs that we implement in Nepal is to have the firsthand experience. Going for the first time in March was something to remember, being able to see the impact that with your help we are able to generate has no price. The numbers can prove that our model works, but seeing the smile of women and children are best felt being there. Once a birthing center is upgraded, people in these communities not only appreciate this, but they do everything in their hands to put these center to great use, with that feeling of communal ownership. We are grateful to see the changes and the impact your money creates, and are more than happy to share the field stories with you and invite you to come with us and have the same experience. A group of donors came with us in March, and we are hoping to repeat this experience later this year. Please let us know if you want to join us in this adventure of new learnings from our programs. 

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