Collaborative efforts to strengthen healthcare for Nepal’s mothers and newborns
[Kathmandu, Nepal, 1 October 2024]
In a significant move to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare (MNH) in Nepal’s most underserved areas, the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) and One Heart Worldwide (OHW) formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 27, 2024.
The signing took place in the USA during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit, underscoring the importance of this partnership. With this agreement, both organizations aim to address critical gaps in healthcare for mothers and newborns, marking a transformative step in improving access and outcomes in Nepal’s remote regions.
The MOU was signed by Dr. Mangal Rawal, Vice-Chancellor of KAHS, and Kirsten Meisinger MD MHCDS, Board Chair of OHW.
This partnership aims to strengthen local initiatives at the provincial and municipality levels. Their focus will be in Karnali and Far-Western Provinces, which are home to some of the most underserved communities.
Prime Minister Oli, who witnessed the signing, highlighted the government’s commitment to ending the issue of brain drain and encouraged medical professionals to return to Nepal or continue serving their country from abroad.
Key components of the agreement include:
• Fellowship Programs: Designed to train healthcare professionals from rural districts to better serve their communities, where access to trained professionals is extremely limited.
• Joint Research Initiatives: KAHS and OHW will collaborate on research projects aimed at addressing healthcare issues unique to rural Nepal, such as maternal and neonatal mortality, and the challenges posed by the lack of infrastructure and difficult geographical conditions.
• Knowledge and Skill Exchanges: The partnership will foster exchange programs that benefit healthcare workers, promoting the sharing of skills, expertise, and best practices to bridge the healthcare gap in these regions.
• Capacity Building and Sustainability: Both institutions will work together to raise funds for healthcare infrastructure and long-term programs, ensuring sustained impact in districts, where health services are often limited to basic care.
Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) is a health institution dedicated to improving healthcare in Nepal’s remote regions. It provides essential services and education across nine underdeveloped districts. KAHS addresses significant challenges in access and quality of care, leading to meaningful improvements in health outcomes throughout the Karnali and Far-Western provinces.
One Heart Worldwide (OHW) is an international INGO committed to enhancing maternal and neonatal health in Nepal’s underserved areas. Through its robust Network of Safety, OHW supports healthcare providers to ensure families receive timely and quality care, ultimately empowering local communities and strengthening healthcare systems across Nepal.
This collaboration between KAHS and OHW is expected to help Government of Nepal make a difference in the healthcare systems of Karnali and Far-Western provinces by offering long-term solutions to the region’s most pressing health challenges. The MoU will remain in effect for five years, with an annual review to ensure it continues to meet its objectives.
For further information, please contact:
Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS)
Dr. Mangal Rawal, Vice Chancellor
Email: vc@kahs.edu.np/drmangalkahs@gmail.com
One Heart Worldwide (OHW)
Mr. Surya Bhatta, Executive Director
Email: surya@oneheartworldwide.org
