Background
As per the World Health Organisation report 2015, the maternal mortality in Nepal is among the highest in Asia, over 190/100,000 live births. Though there is a progress, inequities exist; rural women being left behind. In rural Nepal basic health services are inadequate and mostly disrupted during monsoon seasons. Research have shown that Nepalese women access, appreciate and accept outreach health services. Punya Foundation wanted to help rural women in Nepal and started a Healthy Mother Healthy Child project as a pilot program in a remote village of Lal Khola, Ilam district, Nepal beginning of 2019.
Primary objectives
- To create awareness among pregnant women of Lal Khola village about the importance of antenatal check-ups and peri-pregnancy health care needs
- To distribute basic medication essential during peri-pregnancy period
Secondary objectives
- to contribute to reduce maternal mortality and infant mortality rate in Lal Khola village, in Nepal
- establish community network and collaboration
Service package
The service package consists of 3 items – antenatal check-up, peri-pregnancy medication and health awareness and education. The antenatal check-up is provided 6-weekly by a team consisting of an Assistant Health Worker or Health Assistant, a nurse and a support worker. The peri-pregnancy medication consists of iron, calcium and folic acid. During the health awareness sessions, the service providers focus on health education and awareness on safe pregnancy, hygiene and on value of locally available nutritious food items.
Project methodology
- Selection of project site: the site selection and site review committee consist of 5 individuals. The committee includes representatives from local and community-based organisations and a representative from Punya Foundation Nepal. Priorities go to rural and far-flung village/s.
- Project scope: all pregnant women of Lal Khola village benefit from the service through the project duration. The implementing partner seeks permission of the sponsor should the project site need to change for any reasons.
Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting
- Punya Foundation Jhapa unit in collaboration with the community-based organisation will implement the project
- Punya Foundation Nepal will assist and oversee the Jhapa unit with the procurement.
- The implementing partner will liaise with the local government
- Representative of Punya Foundation Nepal, its volunteers or delegated individuals attend the distribution program, wherever feasible.
- The implementing partner submits updates bi-annually. Photos and videos enrich the reports in order to convince the donors. Reports, photos and videos submitted shall be the property of Punya Foundation.
Funding and project duration
Punya Foundation outsources fund generation and partners with individuals, organisations or institutes. The project is reviewed every year for its renewal. The renewal of the program depends on – the ongoing need to the service, the quality of project implementation, the fulfilment of reporting responsibilities, the availability of the funds.