Healthcare & Education in the Hidden Himalayas

Dear Friends and Supporters

The Covid pandemic in Nepal appears to be relaxing and the number of infections is decreasing. It is early days yet and extreme caution is still required. The porous border with India ia a big problem as economic migrants move backwards and forwards to earn money for their families. The Nepal government has launched a nationwide drive to inoculate all 12 to 17 year olds to help control the virus. 

We are happy to report that the virus appears to be under control in our target area of Humla and the infection rate has fallen with no further deaths. Our delivery partner, SHIP-Nepal is doing an excellent job providing health and Covid services to our 8 clinics and birthing centres in Humla; the most remote and deprived area of Nepal.

SHIPs latest report shows that over a one month period nearly 2000 female  and 1800 males have received treatment including specialist health camps to deliver Covid vaccines and virus testing facilities.

The main health issues and disorders are still due to respitory and stomach problems. Our Little Doctors Health Education project  has been a major contributor in controlling these problems as school students take home basic health knowledge to their families. Over the years we have seen a large drop in the number of cases and a noticeable improvement in general health. Unfortunately schools have been closed for nearly two years and we have not been able to conduct these valuable learning experiences and a consequece has been a rise in basic health problems. We hope this state of affairs will change soon.

The Nepal Trust would like to thank you all for your help and support over the years and we wish you good health and happiness for the future. Please keep telling your friends about us and how we are helping and supporting one of the remotest communities in the world.

With our best wishes for 2022.

Namaste 

Dear friends and supporters.

For all of us the Covid19 virus has created all sorts of problems and made life so much more difficult. Imagine how it must be in Humla, one of the remotest corners of the world. Nationwide Nepal has an expanding infection rate and has only 12% of the population fully vaccinated. There is now a real concern that a third wave of infection will happen particularly as the build up to the main festival season of Desai and Tihar develops. 

Humla District is the remotest part of Nepal and not easily accessable except by foot or by a small plane if you can afford it. The good news is that Humla has one of the lowest Covid infection rates in the country. We believe that our childrens health education programme, Little Doctors, has contributed to wider health awareness amongst families and siblings and helped to keep the infection rate low. 

Since our last report the weather has improved, making travelling easier and allowing access to the more remote clinics. Infection rates show that about 1000 people have been infected with Covid  with only one death. 425 have received vaccination. Our 8 clinics have been very active  with other treatments and over 2800 patients have been recorded. In addition nearly 2000 have received other medical services. 

Our 8 clinics through our delivery partner SHIP is supporting the governments efforts to limit the spread of Covid by strengthening the local health system and its workers. This cooperation is invaluable and helping the local Health officer to manage under difficult circumstances and limited resources. As soon as the schools can get back to full function our Little Doctors health education programme can start again and help to establish real health awareness.

Many thanks to all of you that have supported us in the past. Without your help over the years we could not have achieved much in such a remote and difficult to access area. It is such a beautiful part of the world and deserves your help; perhaps you can spread the word amongst your friends and colleagues?

Namaste