Infection prevention and awareness in remote Nepal

Dear friends,

In the isolated landscape of Humla, Nepal, where life is shaped by the rhythms of agriculture, 18-year-old Anjana Katuwal ( name changed) was navigating a new chapter of her life: her first pregnancy. Living in Kulalbada with her husband and in-laws, Anjana was also determined to continue her studies in Grade 9. At 35 weeks, however, her journey took an alarming turn. A visit to the local PHASE Nepal clinic revealed a severe crisis: her blood pressure had spiked to 150/100 mmHg, she was experiencing debilitating headaches, and she noticed a troubling decrease in her baby’s movement. A swift urine test confirmed the worst—signs of pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening complication for both mother and child. Immediate medical referral was the only option, but with the nearest higher-level hospital a difficult and distant journey away, logistical and family constraints threatened to delay her access to critical care.

PHASE Nepal's Unwavering Intervention

Recognizing the gravity of Anjana's situation, PHASE Nepal's team mobilized with a coordinated and compassionate response. Their first priority was to stabilize her condition, and they immediately began administering medication to control her dangerously high blood pressure. To ensure constant monitoring, they conducted daily visits to Anjana's home, keeping a close watch on her vitals and the baby’s health. As they worked to manage the immediate symptoms, the team was simultaneously coordinating a complex logistical effort: they liaised with both the Adanchuli Rural Municipality and Kolti Hospital to arrange for an ambulance—a rare and crucial resource—to transport her safely. Throughout the challenging journey, they maintained real-time communication with Dr. Ranjit Shah at Kolti Hospital, ensuring the medical team there was fully prepared for her arrival. The support continued right through the delivery, where Anjana’s baby was born safely, though at a low birth weight of 1500 grams. Post-delivery, PHASE staff remained by her side, providing vital counseling on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and continuing their follow-ups to monitor the health and wellbeing of both mother and newborn.

A Testament of Gratitude and Hope

The timely and dedicated intervention of PHASE Nepal transformed a high-risk crisis into a powerful story of survival. Thanks to their comprehensive care and tireless effort, both Anjana and her baby were saved. Their story is a testament to the profound impact that a committed organization can have in bridging the gap between isolated communities and life-saving healthcare. The continued follow-ups provide a lasting safety net, reinforcing health education and empowering Anjana as a new mother. This experience has left Anjana with a deep sense of gratitude, as she reflects on the support she received during her most vulnerable moment.

Anjana's own words perfectly summarize the outcome: "Without PHASE Nepal's support, I could not have reached proper care in time. Their guidance and care saved my life and my baby's. I am forever grateful."