Healthcare & Education in the Hidden Himalayas

These days, in the UK, doctors and other medical support will only visit you in the direst of emergencies. It is relatively easy to get to a local health centre or A & E if you feel unwell. In the Hidden Himalayas this is often not an option and the nearest functioning health clinic may be hours, or even, days walk a way. A decent hospital may not exist or be at the end of an expensive flight.

Despite these difficulties the hardiness and resilience of the inhabitants is remarkable and they will put up with real hardship to reach their nearest health centre. However, this is not an option for some and a home vist by one of our health workers is essential. Our local staff include home visits in their daily routine even though they may have to walk for hours! Such is life in the Hidden Himalayas.

Fitting out of our Yari Health Post and Birthing Centre is near completion. Furniture and equipment is almost in place. The ANM health worker, recruited locally, has been supporting at one of our other clinics to build up knowledge and support and is now ready to take charge of her own clinic.

One of our oldest clinics at Kermi village is now 16 years old and has done sterling work under the control of the local health worker, a local man from Kermi. The building is now in need of some repair and improvements to properly continue its valuable role in the community. We are now looking for funding to support this initiative. We would welcome any help you can give.

Our Little Doctors programme is a very important health initiative that spreads hygiene and basic health knowledge through the community via children who have been taught at their local school. We have now added a fourth school to our programme. The Shree Him Jyoti Higher Secondary School in south Humla is our latest addition. Each year we can now provide health education to 88 young students who will pass on their new knowledge to their siblings and other family members.

Life continues in this beautiful but remote corner of the world. Your support has made a huge difference as the general health of the population continues to improve and economic opportunities materialize. Thank you so much for all of your help and support. We hope you will continue to support our programme of health and opportunity which brings so much hope to the people of north west Nepal and the Hidden Himalayas.