Virtual Ultrasound Mentoring Program
Success (+)
To enhance the clinical competencies of the SBAs who have completed our initial ultrasound training program, we launched a virtual ultrasound mentoring program via Zoom.
We invited a radiologist and master trainer from the National USG training site to facilitate meetings so service providers could share their day-to-day utilization challenges and receive constructive feedback.
Two virtual meetings have been held, serving 30 SBAs thus far.
Program Completion In Dhading
Success (+)
The OHW program in Dhading has been successfully completed, and all activities fully handed over to the local government and stakeholders!
Given current travel restrictions due to the pandemic, the district’s endline survey is planned for the end of 2021.
Effects of the Pandemic on our Programs
Challenge (!)
The ongoing pandemic continues to present challenges for our team.
While our field teams have gone above and beyond to catch up after the lockdown in Q2, some activities will have to be rolled into 2021.
We delayed the start of transition to the end of Q1 in four of our program districts (Khotang, Taplejung, Sankuwasabha, and Okhaldhunga) to complete our program targets in these districts prior to transitioning them out.
We also extended the set-up phase to the end of Q1 in Parbat, Mygadi, and Sarlahi to complete our baseline surveys.
To read more about our COVID-19 Response, click here.
Dissolution of the House of Representatives
Challenge (!)
Following political turmoil and disputes within the ruling party, the President of Nepal dissolved the House of Representative (HoR) in December, calling for its election in two phases on April 30 and May 10, 2021.
These ongoing internal conflicts could impact our programs by creating delays in our five-year renewal agreement with the Social Welfare Council and delays in our general program implementation plans.
Women in Healthcare Spotlight
Meet Nirmala Rai.
Nirmala is the Sapta Chhitapokhari Health Post In-Charge.
She is also one of the few women to hold such a position, where most men head the health posts.
Nirmala has been working at the Sapta Chhitapokhari Health Post for the last four years.
When she first started her job, the health post building had no birthing center.
There was no medical equipment or a proper bed or a separate room for delivery.
Unsurprisingly, the FCHVs were unable to convince the families to visit the health post for institutional delivery.
Things started to change after the renovation of the birthing center in 2018.
“In two years, we have been successful in increasing institutional deliveries, and the cases of home deliveries are almost nil,” says Nirmala.
Their records show that they have almost reached the target of 52 live births per year through institutional birth delivery.
She further explains how OHW’s support has helped them to set up a system that can make maternity care sustainable without being highly dependent on international donor funding.
“There is high morale among our staff today since the birthing center was renovated. We have so many success stories to share due to better service. We will always be indebted to One Heart Worldwide’s support.”
By Naresh Newar in Khotang, Nepal