Supporting frontline health worker in remote Nepal

Dear Friends,

Our lives have all been impacted by the corona virus in different ways since its inception. In line with an increase in daily living costs, vulnerable residents in Nepal's rural Humla, Bajura, Mugu, Gorkha, and Sindhupalchok districts now have wider access to basic health care.

We sincerely appreciate your support, which has been continuous ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As of July, 70.03 percent of people have received the entire recommended dosage. With your help, we were able to acquire enough personal protective gear and materials for infection control for our rural health workers. It enabled them to serve the community while feeling healthy and motivated.

Meet Ms. Manisha (Staff member, name used with permission), one of our pandemic warrior, who has continued to provide service at Huma-Jair, Maila, and Bajura-Bichhya since the outbreak of the infection. Together with her team, she is able to ensure that services like covid screening, prevention measures orientation, safe delivery services, immunization services, and regular checkups for pregnant women, new mothers, and senior citizens are provided.

"I feel quite grateful to be able to serve in these communities, especially during the pandemic," she said. This medical facility serves as the only guardian medical facility for areas up to three or four hours distant.

When the pandemic began, even we were unsure of how to respond to the pandemic. But immediately once, the central office provided us with orientation, protective gear, and infection prevention kits, which encouraged us to continue on with the service.

We perform at least eight to nine deliveries per month at our health post. In the midst of the pandemic, we were able to diagnose complicated cases like twin babies (one of them had spinal bifida), postpartum hemorrhage, and successfully refer them to the hospital. As we continued to focus on the COVID infections, we also dealt with other serious cases such as retained placenta, chronic respiratory issues, and injuries, and encouraged the community to keep their distance, wear masks, and practice good hygiene."

In the last three months, our frontline workers have been able to provide 91 safe deliveries in remote areas of Humla, Bajura, Mugu, and earthquake-affected districts Gorkha and Sindhupalchok, including 11 complicated deliveries such as retained placenta, prolonged postpartum hemorrhage, breech with footing, and twin delivery.

In addition, 15,793 cases were treated, with 2,749 children under the age of five receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Local residents were encouraged to practice healthy habits through 1,306 community events. Our staff was able to provide primary health care and a 24-hour emergency service, as well as provide community members with information on how to respond appropriately throughout the pandemic.

PHASE Nepal is committed, as always, to the safety of its team members. Adequate supplies were maintained at each location and every staff are advised to use personal protective equipment while making patient consultations for infection prevention. 

All of our work would not have been possible without the kind contribution of our donors like you. We really appreciate your willingness to ultimately empower Himalayan frontline health workers during the pandemic.