Health training in Nepal – Phase 2

Nepal remains among the poorest countries in the world. In 2018, according to the WHO, life expectancy in Nepal was 70 years. Health problems are significant and widespread among the population: lung infections, chronic bronchitis linked to pollution, rheumatological problems related to the arduous nature of rural labor, cardiovascular diseases, and more. Based on these observations, the Nepalese government has implemented a health policy aimed at providing quality healthcare services for all. However, the Nepalese authorities suffer from a critical lack of resources and qualified healthcare personnel to implement this policy, particularly in mountainous regions.

The Solu region, located in northeastern Nepal at the foot of Mount Everest, is severely affected by a lack of medical care and the prevalence of numerous communicable diseases. This is largely due to the presence of only 7 general practitioners and 20 nurses for a population of 200,000 in the region. The nurses are inadequately trained and are frequently forced to exceed their scope of practice and improvise as doctors to treat various illnesses. Furthermore, unsafe sexual practices and pregnancy-related complications are major causes of death among women. Only 36% of births are attended by a doctor or nurse.

Aware of the current health situation and the inadequacy of healthcare services in Solu, the Young Star Club and the Shakti Nepal association are contributing to improving healthcare through prevention programs for the Solu population, and by providing equipment and training to healthcare personnel. This project follows on from a previous project also co-financed by La Guilde.