Bring healthcare to thousands in rural Nepal

Himalayan HealthCare (HHC) with financial support from Chao Foundation carried out 5 days Adolescent and Sexual Reproductive Health Training to 15 government health providers of 6 rural municipalities namely Hariharpurgadhi, Ghyanglekh, Phikkal of Sindhuli district, Rubi valley and Galchi of Dhading district and Rapti Municipality of Chitwan district. The training was held at HHC office in Kathmandu from 13^th to 17^th November and was conducted by lead trainers Ms. Satyawati B from Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN), Mr. Shrikrishna B, Senior Trainer and Mr. Basant C from Bagmati Province Health Training Division.

The main objective of the training was to increase the availability and access to information to health providers about adolescent health and development, provide opportunities to build skills to increase accessibility and utilization of adolescent health and counselling services for adolescents, and to create safe and supportive environments for adolescents in order to improve their legal, social and economic status and rights.

The training started with introductory program, norms to be followed by the participants, expectation goal, objective and outcomes of the training was discussed.

Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood. In this stage, various physical and psychological developments occur. It is also the transition period from puberty to legal adulthood. The UN define adolescents as the 10–19-year-old (early adolescence 10-14; late adolescence 15-19), among youth: 15-24 year old. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing in all matters relating to the reproductive system. It implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so. Sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHRs) are human rights. The right to sexual and reproductive health implies that people are able to enjoy a mutually satisfying and safe relationship, free from coercion or violence and without fear of infection or pregnancy, and that they are able to regulate their fertility without adverse or dangerous. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) is a healthy state in terms of the system, function and reproductive processes of a teenager.

Topics covered during the training:

1. Sexual and reproductive health rights
2. Value clarification on ASRH
3. Interests, concerns, problems and needs of adolescents towards sexual and reproductive health
4. Effective communications
5. Psychosocial counselling for adolescents
6. Changes in characteristics in adolescents (physical, mental, hormonal, and sexual)
7. FP methods for adolescents (discussion of suitable FP methods for adolescents)
8. Human Sexual orientation, and discussion on sex, sexual and sexuality
9. HIV aids, STIs/RTIs services to adolescents
10. Mental health for adolescents
11. Nutrition for adolescents
12. Discussion update data
13. Record/reporting system of adolescent services
14. QI tools and certifications of adolescent-friendly sites

Methods of Training:

• Power point presentation (PPTs)
• Standard guidelines and required job aids with complete sets of manuals
• Required handouts of updated data
• Many real case studies and role plays in specific conditions
• Preferential and multiple-choice questionnaires
• Varieties of group activities in different contents session-wise
• Varieties of family planning methods with the complete set of family planning choice kit box, medical eligibility criteria wheel (MEC), DMT tools,
• BP measuring sets, thermometers, pulse oximeters,
• Varieties of standard stationary materials for different activities, like newsprint, meta cards, sticky notes, markers, highlighters, etc.

 Outcome of Training:

• The five-day ASRH training was successfully conducted with active participation from health workers representing various facilities from Hariharpurgadhi, Ghyanglek, Phikkal RM from Sindhuli, Galchhi & Rubi Valley RM from Dhading, and Rapti Municipality from Chitwan. Key messages on ASRH, family planning methods, adolescent concerns, andadolescent-friendly health services were emphasized throughout the sessions. Interactive methods such as group work, role plays, demonstrations, and daily review, games helped reinforce learning and encourage participants engagement.
  
  
• Participants gained improved knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, effective communication, adolescent counselling, and service delivery standards.They demonstrated a better understanding of the needs, challenges and concerns faced by adolescents and the importance of creating demand for SRH services within their communities.

• Overall, the training enhanced participants’ technical skills and confidence to provide adolescent-friendly services, contributing to improved SRH outcomes for adolescents in their respectiveareas.

• The participants were evaluated pre- and post-training by the trainers. The pre-training evaluation was to assess their existing knowledge and skills and to help identify areas that need improvement so that the right training can be designed. The pre-training score was in between 30% to 65% whereas the post training score was 85% to 95%.

 List of Participants: 

1. Swastika S, ANM, Hariharpurgadhi
2. Ishika R, AHW, Hariharpurgadhi
3. Ramnath M, Senior AHW, Ghyanglek
4. Tapesh R, Senior AHW, Ghyanglek
5. Ramala K, ANM, Phikkal
6. Dipa R M, Staff Nurse, Phikkal
7. Durga P P, Senior AWH, Rapti
8. Ramnath S, Senior AHW, Rapti
9. Samina P, ANM, Rapti
10. Buddhiman T, Senior AHW, Galchi
11. Dammari, K D, Senior ANM, Galchi
12. Ramesh B, AHW, Galchi
13. Tenzing D G, Health Assistant, Rubi Valley
14. Jaya P B, Health Assistant, Rubi Valley
15. Pasharam S R, Health Assitant, Rubi Valley

The Gynecological training for 10 Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) of three districts covering 5 rural municipalities was held from 9 to 12 July 2025 at Ganesh Man Singh Memorial Hospital, Lalitpur Nepal. The training was facilitated by Drs. Madhu S and Madhu T and funded by Chao Foundation and TFish Fund.The participants were as follows:

1. Durga K S                Sumnapokhari HP         ANM          Phikkal RM, Sindhuli
2. Kirtika Sig                Ratnawoti HP                ANM           Phikkal RM, Sindhuli
3. Garima Shr              Aamdanda BHC            ANM           Galchi RM,Dhading
4. Saraswoti T             Bhotepalai BHC             ANM           Galchi RM, Dhading
5. Samjhakumari R     Pipalmudi                       ANM           Hariharpurgadhi RM, Sindhuli
6. Anjana Raj              Hariharpurgadhi HP,      ANM           Hariharpurgadhi RM, Sindhuli Sindhuli
7. Chandira Raut        Tamajor HP                    ANM           Ghyanglekh RM, Sindhuli
8. Manju Gha              Shanteshowri HP           ANM           Ghyanglekh RM, Sindhuli
9. Amrita Aa                Korak HP                        ANM           Rapti Municipality, Chitwan
10. Niru Gur                  Khahare CHU                 ANM           Rapti Municipality, Chitwan

Day 1 Training: 9 July 2025

The first day of training on 9 July 2025 started at 10 AM. After short inauguration program, the trainers and participants introduced themselves and the health institutions that they are associated with. Discussed about the importance of the training and the opportunity to share the experiences and shortcomings with the senior trainers and to learn from them. After this, the facilitators took the following classes and discussions were held in an interactive manner.

Trainers asked the trainees to present their experiences at work and the cases that they handled and how they managed the situation. Most of them shared their experience and example some cases how they managed such as LBW, PPH, Meds indication and contraindication to pregnancy.

Pre question/Answer:

Gyne/Obs examination and overview: This topic was covered in the first day of training. It was the interactive session where participants put forward their understanding about gynecology. Following activities are performed to know genealogical condition. In this topic trainers teach how to take history of patients.

 History taking

1. Introduction of patient
2. Chief complaint
3. History of present illness (HOPI)
4. Menstrual history
5. Obstetric history
6. Contraceptive history 
7. Past medical & surgical history
8. Personal history
9. Occupational history & family history

 Physical examination

GC (general condition): fair, ill looking, conscious or unconscious,

Vitals: T, PR, RR, BP (temperature, pulse, respiratory rate & blood pressure)

PILCCOD: (pallor, icteric, cyanosis, clubbing, edema, dehydration)

Chest examination: B/L normal vesicular breath sound and equal air entry, crepitation and wheeze

CVS (cardiovascular system): s1 s2 or any added sound

A/P (per abdomen): any mass feel and tender

P/S (per speculum): polyp, discharge, erosion on cervix and its position

P/V per vaginal: feel any cyst or mass and motion tenderness on cervix

Breast examination: standing and hands-on waist, press by palm on the breast as quarterly on both breasts.

Emergency medicine in labor room: Discussion on medicine like Oxytocin, Magnesium Sulfate, IV fluid etc. were done with their use and function. When and how to use these medicines in which quantity and which cases.

Neonatal care and post-delivery care: A care given to the mother and her newborn baby immediately after the birth of the placenta and for the first six weeks of life. Majority of maternal and neonatal deaths occur during childbirth and the postpartum period.

PPH management: any amount of blood loss that threatens woman’s hemodynamic stability (blood loss >500 ml from vaginal delivery & >1000 ml in caesarean section or 1500 ml at caesarean hysterectomy).

Types:

1. Primary: 3rd stage labor to 48 hours of delivery
2. Secondary: 48 hours to 6 weeks of delivery

Causes: 4 Ts (tone, trauma, tissue, thrombin)

Management: Three methods use in PPH

1. Use of medicines- Inj. Oxytocin 20 units in each drip, tab Misoprostol 800mcg per rectal, Inj. Tranexamic acid 1gm IV stat
2. Manual- if bleeding doesn't stop using medicine, apply bimanual compression, inspect trauma and suture them
3. Condom tamponade- if point 1 and 2 intervention failed, then proceed to this procedure. Counseling and prepare instruments

Inflate 250-500 ml saline & bleeding stops in 0-15 min in most cases

  2.    Vaginal Discharge:  

Types of Vaginal Discharge:

1. Physical: reproductive age, menstrual and hormonal
2. Pathological: infected and non-infected
3. Infected:

Sexual infected- TV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HSV

Non sexual infected- BV, Candida (mostly below 25 Year

1. Non infected:

Foreign body, atrophic (dryness) and malignant

Management: treatment provided as per the symptoms mentioned above, if yeast infection with antifungal medication, if bacterial vaginosis with antibiotic pills and/or cream, if trichomoniasis metronidazole or tinidazole.

Day 2 training, 10 July 2025

Early Pregnancy Loss

Abortion (Miscarriage)

It is defined as the expulsion of a fetus before it reaches viability (20 weeks of gestation)

• 10-20% of all clinical pregnancies
• 75% abortions occur before the 16^th week
• Rates vary with maternal age; also high in women with past miscarriages

Etiology of Abortion:

Fetal Factor

• Genetic
• 50% of early miscarriage is due to chromosomal abnormalities
• (Trisomy, Polyploidy, Monosomy)
• Fetal anomalies
• Multiple Pregnancies

 Maternal Factor

• Infections (5%)
• Viral: rubella, cytomegalovirus, HIV
• Parasitic: Toxoplasma gondii, malaria    -
• Bacterial: Urea plasma, urealyticum, chlamydia trachomatis
• Immunological disorders (5-10%)
• Autoimmune disease

Types of Abortion

• Spontaneous abortionis defined as the loss of a pregnancy before fetal viability (22 weeks gestation)
• Threatened abortion(pregnancy may continue)
• Inevitable abortion(pregnancy will not continue and will proceed to incomplete/complete abortion)
• Incomplete abortion(products of conception are partially expelled)
• Complete abortion(products of conception are completely expelled) 

Signs and symptoms of Abortion

• vaginal spotting or bleeding with or without pain
• a gush of fluid from your vagina, even if you do not have pain or bleeding
• passage of tissue from the vagina

A small amount of bleeding early in pregnancy is common and does not necessarily mean that you will have a miscarriage. If your bleeding is heavy or happens with a pain like menstrual cramps, contact your ob-gyn right away. 

Ectopic Pregnancy:

It also called extra-uterine pregnancy or when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus (90% in fallopian tube). As the pregnancy grows, it can cause the tube to burst (rupture) and can cause major internal bleeding.

Early warning of ectopic pregnancy:

Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, you may feel shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement. Your specific symptoms depend on where the blood collects and which nerves are irritated.

• Types: tubal and non-tubal
• Causes: scars of fallopian tubes, hormonal, genetic, birth defect and medical condition
• Symptoms:amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, severe pelvic or abdomen pain mostly one side, fainting and shoulder pain
• Management:surgical

Treatment for ectopic pregnancy:
The most common drug used to treat ectopic pregnancy is methotrexate. This drug stops cells from growing, which ends the pregnancy. The pregnancy then is absorbed by the body over 4–6 weeks.

Day 3 Training, 11 July 2025

Amenorrhea:

Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation during the reproductive years of a woman's life. Physiological states of amenorrhea are seen, most commonly during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding). It can be classified as primary and secondary amenorrhea

There are two types of amenorrhea:

• Primary amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation in someone who has not had a period by age 15. The most common causes of primary amenorrhea relate to hormone levels, although anatomical problems also can cause amenorrhea.
• Secondary amenorrhea refers to the absence of three or more periods in a row by someone who has had periods in the past. Pregnancy is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea, although problems with hormones also can cause secondary amenorrhea.

Cause- physiological and pathological

Treatment- of amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause and various tests such as pregnancy test, thyroid function test, ovary function test, prolactin test and male hormone tests can be conducted. In some cases, birth control pills or other hormone therapies can help. If caused by thyroid disorder, it can be treated with medications.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH):

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) being the major cause of women death in Nepal, the participants were taught on how to manage PPH

Definition: An estimated blood loss of >500ml of blood from the genital tract at vaginal delivery & >1000 ml at caesarean section or 1500 ml at caesarean hysterectomy.

Classification: 1.  Primary: within the first 24 hours after delivery 2.  Secondary: when it occurs between 24 hours to 6-12 weeks postpartum
Causes:  4Ts (tone 80%, trauma, tissue and thrombin)
The principles of management: ABC- Airway, breathing & circulation; Replace circulating blood volume & Stop blood loss; Medical management: Oxytocin, Ergometrine, Carboprost and Misoprostol; Non-medical management: Uterine massage, Bimanual uterine compression, Compression of aorta against sacral promontory, Anti-shock garment and Intra uterine pressure 

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP):

Descent of one or more of the genital organs below their normal anatomical position. Prolapse is a condition in which organs, which are normally supported by the pelvic floor, namely the bladder, bowel and uterus, herniate or protrude into the vagina due to weakness in their supporting structures.

Cause:

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles or connective tissues of the pelvis do not work as they should. The most common risk factors are: Vaginal childbirth, which can stretch and strain the pelvic floor. Multiple vaginal childbirths raise your risk for pelvic organ prolapse later in life.

The four categories of uterine prolapse are:

• Stage I – the uterus is in the upper half of the vagina
• Stage II – the uterus has descended nearly to the opening of the vagina
• Stage III – the uterus protrudes out of the vagina
• Stage IV – the uterus is completely out of the vagina 

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP):

• feeling of a bulge or something coming down the vagina.
• a feeling of a bulge or something coming out the vagina, which sometimes needs pushed back up (you may be able to see this with a mirror)
• discomfort during sex.

Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse:

Any surgical procedure may pose risks or create complications, nonsurgical procedures are usually the first line of treatment for POP.

Nonsurgical treatments

• Vaginal pessary: A removable silicone device that your provider can insert into your vagina to hold a sagging organ in place
• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises): Strengthening exercises for your pelvic floor. Your provider may refer you to a physical therapist to test the strength of individual muscles and teach you targeted exercises to train these muscles.

Surgical treatments

Surgery may be an option if your symptoms haven’t improved with conservative treatments and if you no longer wish to have children.

Pelvic Floor Exercises
Demonstration of pelvic floor exercises were carried out by the expert at the Bluebird International Clinic.

Importance of nutrition during pregnancy
This class was taken by Ms. Urmila. She emphasized on why proper nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the health and development of both the mother and the child and how it supports fetal growth, reduces the risk of complications, and can positively impact the baby's health later in life. A balanced diet with essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and others is vital during this period. Food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy products need to be taken in good quantity and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. 

Day 4 Training, 12 July 2025

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB):

Itis a condition that affects nearly every woman at some point in her life. Also called abnormal uterine bleeding, DUB is a condition that causes vaginal bleeding to occur outside of the regular menstrual cycle. Certain hormonal conditions and medications may also trigger DUB. The main cause of dysfunctional uterine bleeding is the imbalance in the sex hormones.

Signs: Anemia, abdomino-pelvic examination is usually normal. If uterus is enlarged, fibroids are likely

Symptoms: Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding, dysmenorrhea (on/off); pelvic pain or uncomfortable pressure

Investigation: Pregnancy test, CBC, TFT, USG

Management: Tranexamic and Mefenamic acid are useful to decrease loss during periods, oral contraceptive pill to regulate irregular cycle

Menorrhagia (more than 80 ml) is very common among age below 45 years

How is DUB diagnosed:

The diagnosis of DUB depends on a thorough history and physical examination to exclude organic disorders. In older women, endometrial biopsy should be done before starting therapy. The treatment depends on an understanding of the menstrual cycle.

Complications of chronic abnormal uterine bleeding can include anemia, infertility, and endometrial cancer. Acute abnormal uterine bleeding, severe anemia, hypotension, shock, and even death may result if prompt treatment and supportive care are not initiated. 

Cervical Cancer

It is one of the most common genital cancer among Nepalese women, number one among all the cancer reported in Nepal and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. It affects women at a relatively younger age. Cervical cancer has a very long pre-cancerous condition (10 to 20 years) & detection during pre-cancerous condition is possible by screening; and the condition is curable by simple treatment.

VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid):

Screening carcinoma of cervix with simple technic is called VIA. This is the technic applicable in all level of health institutions.

Acidic acid with normal saline applies around the cervix and leave for a minute then observe the color.

Result: Color changes if positive and no changes if negative. 

Also, Pap smear, LBC (liquid bases cytology), HPV DNA tests are conducted 

Signs and Symptoms:

Asymptomatic:

• vaginal bleeding between periods.
• menstrual bleeding that is longer or heavier than usual.
• pain during intercourse
• bleeding after intercourse
• pelvic pain
• a change in your vaginal discharge such as more discharge or it may have a strong or unusual color or smell
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with some high-risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus; this is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer. The other main risk factor for cervical cancer is smoking. Around eight out of 10 women will become infected with genital HPV at some time in their lives. Most women who have the HPV infection never get cervical cancer; only a few types of the HPV result in cervical cancer.

Management:
Preventive: HPV vaccine and awareness to predisposing factors, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery

 Review of Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 topics

Pre-test Questionnaire:

1. How do you manage pelvic organ prolapse stage 1 and ll (POP-Q stage 1 and ll)?
2. What complications can occur after insertion of vaginal ring pessary?
3. Define ectopic pregnancy?
4. How do you diagnose ectopic pregnancy clinically?
5. Outline your plan of management for primary PPH.
6. What do you need for condom tamponade placement in uterus?
7. Define abortion. Write down different types of abortion.
8. Write down the sign and symptoms of septic abortion.
9. What are the characteristics of physiological and pathological vaginal discharge?                Name the organism that causes cervical cancer. Write down the risk factor of cervical cancer.
10. What are the different methods of screening of cervical cancer?

The participants were able to answer 80-90% of the questions.

      Patients served during the training: 15