This is a message from those at the forefront of child health in Nepal

“The major strength of our health programme is the sincerity of the purpose, dedication of the whole team and the participation of the community. We are also incredibly grateful to our well-wishers whose support has been very instrumental in providing essential health care to children in Nepal”.

-    Dhulikhel hospital

Keeping children healthy in rural Nepal

In rural Nepal, health care can often be inaccessible and inadequate. Many children find it hard to receive even basic medical support, and as such, they face many challenges and risks that can leave them with unnecessary and permanent health problems.

Well equipped hospitals are still unreachable to a huge number of people, often due to transportation problems and financial constraints.

Childreach International project partner, Dhulikhel hospital, works tirelessly to change this, reaching out to communities and their children, addressing health issues and providing widespread quality medical treatment.

Their health initiatives use innovative public health interventions and effective partnerships with local communities to run 12 outreach centres, providing 24 hours health services, preventative services to counter the threat of disease, and school health programs (pictured top) to educate children on the importance of proper health care.

Education is key

As well as providing immediate medical treatment, educating the communities is vital. First aid kits provide children in rural schools with essential access to basic medical supplies. When the kits are delivered by Dhulikhel Hospital staff, a group of teachers and children from the school are given training on how to use the kits and how to deliver basic first aid treatment (pictured).

“Sometimes a small intervention in the lives of children such as first aid kits in schools can and does make the difference between life and death. These kits improve the quality of children’s lives by treating infections quickly and the training develops the health and understanding of children across a school generation. It is pioneering projects such as this that we believe can achieve community development and safeguard children, allowing them to unlock their full potential in life”

- Rachel Paterson, Asia Programmes Officer, Childreach International

Chandra Yogal, 28, is the Co-ordinator of Dhulikhel hospital’s Community Health Programme. Read his words about the health issues faced in rural Nepal.

Please donate to help continue the provision of essential health care in Nepal or why not find out more and join a Challenge Event or Futurebuilding project and travel to the country yourself.