Healthcare & Education in the Hidden Himalayas

In September ten volunteers, from Yorkshire and Somerset, trekked for 14 days to help construct our latest clinic at the village of Bargaon. Daytime temperatures were extremely hot and the trails were difficult due to the increase in pony and sheep caravans resulting from new bridge reconstruction after the devastations of the recent civil war.

 On the way they were able to inspect the clinic at Sarkegad and were very pleased with what they saw. The clinic is jointly operated with the government and our health worker provides emergency and weekend care. On an average day the clinic will see about 40 patients but during the monsoon this can climb to as many as 100 per day.

Two dentists on the trek treated a total of 75 patients.

On arrival at Bargaon the group was able to contribute to the building operations and by the time they left the walls were up to roof level and all windows were in place. The building should be wind and water tight by the winter and ready for completion in the spring. This clinic will be the first dedicated Birthing Centre in Humla and will give pregnant mothers a safe and clean place to give birth to their babies compared to traditional practices.

The Nepal Trust  intends to expand this initiative throughout Humla over the coming years. In 2014 we are building Birthing Centres in Sarkegad and in the village of Yari further north towards the Tibetan border. We still need to source funding for these projects and would welcome any help or advice our friends and supporters can give.

Earlier this year Recite Films of Scotland made a documentary, free of charge, about the work of the Nepal Trust. This film explains in some detail the varied work we are involved in and how we adopt an integrated approach to help improve the living standards and quality of life of some of the poorest people on the planet living on the edge in the Hidden Himalayas. The Trust is excited to announce that this film has recently been voted the top documentary award at the recent Institute of Videography Awards ceremony in Manchester. To view this film visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oejHREw2NYY&feature=youtu.be

Finally, everyone at the Nepal Trust would like to wish all our friends and supporters all the very best for the festive season and for the coming new year 2013. We hope that, along with our own wishes, the new year will bring 'hope and opportunity' to you all.

With best wishes.

Links:

• Nepal Trust website.
• Our Facebook page

This year the Nepal Trust has completed 3 Little Doctor programs successfully in the villages of Simikot, Bargaun and Yalbang to teach young school children the basics of health, sanitation, hygiene, family planning, first aid and the like. The classes have produced another 66 Little Doctors who have obtained valuable knowledge on how to live a healthier life and who will share their lessons learned with other family, and community members.

Also in Bargaun the construction of our Birthing Center has started and on October 1^st a group of Nepal Trust
supporters and volunteers will arrive at Bargaun after an adventurous 2-week trek from Jumla district all the way up to Bargaun village, to help with the construction of the center.

Both projects, as well as the Torpa clinic have been visited by Global Giving USA representatives, who were very impressed with the work of Nepal Trust, and how the projects make a true difference to the lives of the Himalayan communities.

The core health program itself is progressing well and new batches of medicines have been sent to the clinics. On
request of the community we have added a skilled Community Medical Assistant (CMA) to the Sarkegad clinic in South Humla. Sarkegad is rapidly growing into an economical and social hub in the area and provision of trained health workers and medication is vital for the health conditions of this growing population. The CMA is supporting the clinic and government health workers by treating patients and keeps records of daily activities.