Earthquake Relief in Nepal

Within the first two months, International Medical Corps’ mobile medical units provided 4,547 health consultations in 27 remote villages, some as far as a two-day walk from the nearest road. Teams also provided 22 metric tons of lifesaving relief supplies, including emergency medicines and medical supplies, benefitting 100,000 people. During the first six months, our programs provided urgently needed health care and supplies to more than 213,000 people.

Working closely with the Government of Nepal and local partners, we have now transitioned into the recovery phase of the earthquake response, providing long-term assistance throughout affected areas. We are rebuilding and rehabilitating 13 health posts, distributing medical supplies and medical equipment to each, and providing rehabilitation and disability services to those who were injured. Our teams are also strengthening the quality of sexual and reproductive health services for women and adolescent girls.

Crucial to our response are sustainable water, sanitation and environmental waste management solutions as we seek to reduce the risk of deadly disease. In addition, we are establishing seven centers to screen for malnutrition and provide treatment for children under five years suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

Finally, we have trained 1,240 health workers and community leaders in mental health and psychosocial support services.  Uma’s* story illustrates the critical need to provide services for these invisible wounds.

Uma is a 60 year-old community health volunteer who lives with her husband, son, mother, and father-in-law. She has been working as a volunteer for 26 years and lives in Darbung village in Gorkha, and in recent years, she has suffered from chronic depression. The earthquake that wreaked havoc on April 25, 2015 caused a relapse of Uma’s depression.

Uma attended the two-day mental health and psychosocial support training in her village, where she had an opportunity to share her experience. Uma received individual counseling sessions focused on positive coping behaviors and stress management, and now receives regular follow-ups with a counselor. Today, Uma says that she feels more relaxed and confident. The experience of the earthquake affected her deeply and the psychosocial support helped Uma recognize that and recover. She, in her own words, is now a “happy and encouraged person” who is confident talking about herself and her experiences, and encouraging her peers to get support.

*Name has been changed

With the help of GlobalGiving and other generous donors, we are training and equipping the Nepali people to now be their own best First Responders. Thank you for your continued support.