The current Covid-19 pandemic has presented a huge challenge to health systems across Nepal, with particularly devastating effects felt in the provision and access to maternal and child healthcare. PHASE is continuing to provide this vital maternal and child healthcare as part of our essential health services throughout lockdown.
Whilst the national maternal mortality rate (MMR) stands at 239/100,000, this increases in the Far West of Nepal with an MMR of 320/100,000, resulting in 1,200 mothers still dying during birth in Nepal every year. The UN Sustainable Development Goals have specified a target of an MMR of under 70 by 2030, however, Nepal’s interim target of reducing MMR to 125 by this year has yet failed to be met. Improvements to these figures have been made through Nepal’s Safe Motherhood program, however, Covid-19 seems to have undone some of this progress. The number of women attending clinics and antenatal checks has sharply decreased due to the fear of Covid-19 as well as lockdown restrictions. This has lead to a tragic increase in maternal mortality.
In light of this situation, PHASE have continued to provide essential healthcare services in Gorkha, Bajura, Mugu, Humla, and Sindhulpalchok. We are working to counter the risk of deaths caused by the coronavirus lockdown and those not seeking necessary healthcare
In the last quarter, our team delivered 55 babies and provided regular antenatal and prenatal check-ups, immunisations and family planning services. We see such programmes and services as vital in ensuring a strong and healthy start to life for women and children during the Covid-19 crisis. Maternal and child healthcare is the cornerstone of our primary healthcare provision, which currently reaches 45,000 people a year across community health posts in all our project areas. Our team of extraordinary Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) simultaneously run service provision and public health education programmes with a particular focus on maternal and child health. ANM’s work with women and their families in the early stages of pregnancy, promoting behavioural change and increasing understanding around antenatal care; building trust within the community and working to reduce MMR.
If you would like to support the work of PHASE Worldwide and help us to continue empowering people living in isolated regions of Nepal the best way to do so is through regular giving. Even the smallest amount a month can make a huge difference. As a regular supporter you will receive exclusive updates and will become part of the PHASE family. You can set up your regular gift easily and securely online.
My name is Dr Stephen Vercoe and I recently returned from Manbu where I was volunteering on the PHASE GP mentoring scheme, supporting two Auxiliary nurse midwives – Saraswati and Sushila- who are working at the PHASE health post in the village. I spent just 8 days there but it…
Kolti Update 2022-23 Healthcare can be especially hard to access in rural areas with difficult topography so the provision of services in local communities, including door-to-door visits, is essential to promoting the health of families. The Kolti Health Post is the largest healthcare facility in the area, and without the…
The Start Strong Project, match funded by the UK Government, has now been running for nine months and we’re excited to share our progress with you! Over the course of this three-year project, we are aiming to improve maternal health and reduce malnutrition amongst 1,000 vulnerable women and their children…