Supporting frontline health worker in remote Nepal

Dear Friends,

We are all aware of the significant negative effects the coronavirus has had on each of our lives. The pandemic's impact on the vital supply chain during the past few years has altered the global accessibility of essential items. The impact has been felt in Nepal's most needy districts, including Humla, Bajura, Mugu, Gorkha, and Sindhupalchok, where access to basic healthcare services has ever been limited.

Yet, since the epidemic began, we have been able to continue providing both emergency and essential health services thanks to your unwavering support. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, your support has been ongoing, and we genuinely appreciate it.

As of right now, the COVID-19 pandemic has been controlled by the usage of vaccines. But, the Himalayan communities with their scarce resources have a great need to be prepared for various types of epidemics. Thanks to your help, we have been able to reach the community while still feeling secure and motivated.

Recently, the PHASE health team was able to manage an epidemic in three communities in the Himalayas.

An outbreak of viral fever was handled quickly by our team at the PHASE project site in Mugu, Jime. They were successful in notifying the Rural Municipality and local health workers of the fever outbreak in a timely manner. They went on a community visit with them. Where 86 members of the community in all were discovered to be unwell. They were given medications and instructed to maintain personal cleanliness and a balanced diet.

Similarly, school children were falling ill at a nearby school in Sindhupalchok, Baruwa community. The PHASE health staff was contacted by the school administration. As PHASE team reached to conduct the checkup, more than 17 children with fever, colds, and coughs were found and 5 of them were severely ill. The children were treated for the symptoms. Parents and school administration were counseled over the issue. Now the situation is under control.

Likewise at Humla, several sick children were recorded in the community of Jair. Our team visited the community, where a total of 25 children were discovered to be measles infections. In accordance with their symptoms, they were treated. Parents and the school management team decided to close the school till things got better after hearing about the scenario. As a result, the spread of measles in the community was controlled.

In this way, our team has been playing pivot steps to maintain essential and emergency health services at Nepal’s most remote communities.

From last Nov. 2022- Jan. 2023, our frontline workers have been able to provide 193 safe deliveries and reach 11,174 people for medical consultation on various illnesses at PHASE supported 12 health posts. Where 1,636 children under the age of five receive treatment for life-threatening illnesses such as fever, diarrhea, and pneumonia. 12,532 community people were engaged in various community orientations and training for personal hygiene family health, and maternal and child health.  Our staff was able to provide primary health care and 24-hour emergency service.

PHASE Nepal is committed, as always, to the safety of its team members. Adequate supplies were maintained at each location and every staff is advised to use personal protective equipment while making patient consultations for infection prevention.  All of our work would not have been possible without the kind contribution of our donors like you. We really appreciate your willingness to ultimately empower Himalayan frontline health workers during the pandemic.

PHASE Nepal Team