Infection prevention and awareness in remote Nepal

Dear friend, Bishnu Malla (name changed), an 11-year-old boy from Humla District, Sarkegad Rural Municipality, Ward 1, Tumcha, is part of a family comprising one elder brother, one younger brother, and their mother. Unfortunately, his father passed away nearly 23 months ago. The family relies on agriculture and working as porters for their livelihood.

While returning from grazing the goat in the forest, Bishnu fell and injured his hand, experiencing swelling and intense pain. We brought him to CHU Tumcha after a meeting at Jair Health Post. Government staff at Jair examined him, applied an elastic crepe bandage, and prescribed Tab Ibuprofen 200mg TDS for pain relief. Although they referred him to Kolti for further treatment, financial constraints prevented Bishnu's mother from taking him there. Instead, she improvised a Kamro (homemade bandage), which unfortunately worsened his condition, causing increased redness, swelling, and difficulty moving his hand.

Upon our return to Tumcha from Jair, we visited Bishnu's house, providing him with first-line antibiotic tablets, Ampicillin and Cloxacillin. We advised his mother to take him to Kolti for an X-ray, but she explained her financial inability to afford the treatment. We contacted the Central office (Sangita Baruwal) to inform her about Bishnu's condition and request financial assistance. The PHASE office provided some support, and Bishnu's family was advised to seek free treatment from the ward office. Before taking Bishnu to Kolti, we removed the Kamro bandage and replaced it with a Plaster of Paris bandage. After the X-ray at Kolti, Bishnu was referred to Martadi District Hospital, where an orthopedic doctor examined him and applied a plaster. The doctor recommended follow-up X-rays every 7 days.

Expressing deep gratitude, Bishnu's mother thanked us for the support and assistance that significantly improved her son's condition. She highlighted her appreciation for the help and management ensuring her son's well-being. However, the primary thanks goes to you. Your support enables us to assist this needy community. Thank you so much. 

Dear Friends, 

We are back again to share with you some wonderful news about the great work that our staff are doing in the remote areas. Thanks to your kind support.

In this report, we would like to tell you the story of Gor Bahadur Shahi (name changed), who has benefited from our PHASE Nepal health services. He is a resident of Mugu, where he lives with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and granddaughter. They are engaged in agriculture for their livelihood, and their economic condition is relatively stable. Gor Bahadur Shahi's wife is physically disabled.

On the 17th of May 2023, PHASE staff received news that Gor Bahadur was not feeling well. On the 17th day of Gor Bahadur's illness, staff visited him to check his condition. They began by taking his medical history, and he had been suffering from Bacillary Dysentery for about 3-4 days. Unfortunately, there was no one available to assist him in reaching the Health Post, so he had been staying at home. His condition was severe, and he was unable to communicate.

PHASE staff recorded Gor Bahadur's vital signs, which were as follows: temperature 36.8°C, respiration 88lb, pulse 22 lb, and blood pressure 80/60 mmHg. They administered an IV injection of RL (Ringer's Lactate) 500 ml through the intraosseous (IO) route and also provided NS (Normal Saline) through the IV line. Staff also prescribed Tab Clotrimazole 960mg twice, daily for 5 days and provided 2 packets of ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). The PHASE team advised him to maintain good hygiene and stay hydrated. After 3 days, our staff conducted a follow-up visit and were pleased to observe that his condition had improved, and he had returned to normal.

Gor Bahadur's wife and son expressed their gratitude and happiness for the support, treatment, and care provided by PHASE Nepal.

PHASE Nepal team expresses its sincere thanks to all the donors for enabling us to continue providing essential health services to those who need it most. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of people like Gor Bahadur and her family.

Best regards,

PHASE Nepal Team