Childbirth in Nepal has transformed dramatically over the past 14 years. In 2010, most women in remote regions gave birth at home without skilled care, facing high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Today, thanks to One Heart Worldwide's efforts, over 1.3 million mothers and newborns have received access to life-saving healthcare. Discover the incredible journey from risk to hope.

Dr. Anil Shrestha, renowned orthopedic surgeon and member of One Heart Worldwide’s Advisory Board, has dedicated his life to improving healthcare in Nepal. From serving in remote Jumla to co-founding the Nepal Orthopaedic Hospital and Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center, his mission has been to provide affordable, compassionate care to underserved communities. In this inspiring profile, Dr. Shrestha shares his vision for healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing socio-economic factors and encouraging future generations to take bold steps in making a difference.

Due to severe flooding in Nepal’s Bagmati and Madhesh provinces, One Heart Worldwide is providing emergency support to pregnant women and new mothers in the hardest-hit districts of Rautahat, Sarlahi, and Kavrepalanchok. We are delivering dignity kits, food packages, and tents to flood-affected areas, along with setting up birthing tents to ensure safe deliveries for pregnant women and new mothers. Each birthing tent is equipped with essential medical supplies to support childbirth during this emergency. OHW is dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable populations affected by this disaster.

In Jwalamukhi Rural Municipality, Dhading District, One Heart Worldwide's Network of Safety model transformed local maternal and newborn health services from 2015 to 2021. The Maidi Health Post became a model birthing center, inspiring further improvements. After OHW transitioned out in 2021, local government and Female Community Health Volunteers have successfully sustained the program, resulting in improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, including zero maternal deaths in the past three years.

Kiran Kumari Thakur, a female community health volunteer (FCHV) in Mahottari, Nepal, tirelessly educates families on safe motherhood practices despite resistance from traditional mindsets. With training and support from One Heart Worldwide (OHW) and Ratauli Yuwa Club (RYC), Kiran and other volunteers are empowered to improve maternal health through community education and Health Mothers' Group meetings. These initiatives are crucial in Mahottari, which faces one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in Nepal.

Niraj Bhattarai, a dedicated Program Coordinator with the Dalit Development Society, has spent his career improving the health of mothers and newborns in Nepal's most remote areas. His work has included training health workers on infant feeding, leveraging mobile technology for maternal health, and enhancing nutritional well-being. Despite initial doubts, Niraj's collaborative efforts with local governments have led to significant improvements in healthcare facilities, ensuring better resources and support for pregnant women and newborns.

Mr. Achyut Luitel, a One Heart Worldwide Nepal Advisory Board member, transitioned from engineering to international NGO leadership driven by a passion for healthcare and social change. His work emphasizes community engagement and sustainable development, aligning with OHW’s mission to improve maternal and newborn health in Nepal. He advocates for innovative, community-driven solutions and increased investment in health and education.

Karnali Province’s challenges for better healthcare, particularly maternal and neonatal, have intensified after the devastating earthquake on November 3, 2023. One Heart Worldwide’s team has been on the ground, taking every step necessary to re-establish quality services and ensure safe pregnancies and motherhood care.

In the remote Nepali village of Terang, Paljum’s journey embodies resilience and transformation in the face of adversity. Struggling with profound loss due to limited maternal healthcare, Paljum's story mirrors the challenges of many in her community. Through the collaborative efforts of the Women Empowerment Centre and One Heart Worldwide, Paljum's path shifted from vulnerability to empowerment. Her decision to embrace informed choices reshaped the narrative of maternal health in Terang. Paljum stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the profound impact of knowledge, support, and community engagement in fostering healthier futures for mothers and children in underserved regions.

In 2021, OHW initiated our transformative maternal and neonatal health program in Nepal's Sarlahi District, addressing a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. Through strategic partnerships, OHW revamped infrastructure, enhanced community awareness, and transformed chaotic birthing centers into safe, well-managed facilities, earning appreciation from local governments. The tangible transformations vividly showcase OHW's success in improving maternal and neonatal healthcare in Sarlahi, highlighting the significant impact of their initiatives.

Why Behavioral change is essential to improving safe motherhood practices

In the Madhesh Province, One Heart Worldwide strives to empower rural mothers with safe motherhood practices. In Bara District, our efforts face challenges in shifting deep-seated social behaviors and attitudes. A poignant incident in Thulo Lautan village reveals that mothers-in-law often shape maternal health decisions, highlighting the need for trust-building and holistic approaches to promote safe motherhood in underserved communities.

In the snow-covered villages of Dolpa, where winter isolates remote communities, courageous women like Dawa face dire challenges during pregnancy. Struggling with limited access to healthcare and family planning, they often bear their burdens in silence. But dedicated field officers from organizations like One Heart Worldwide and WEC are making a difference, providing crucial support and education to empower mothers and save lives in Nepal's high Himalayan regions.

In a groundbreaking international webinar held on August 22, 2023, Nepal emerged as a shining example in the global fight against maternal and child mortality. The event, hosted by One Heart Worldwide, garnered praise from global health experts, including Dr. Kirsten Meisinger, who highlighted Nepal's success in contrast to rising maternal mortality rates in the United States and Europe. With One Heart Worldwide's unwavering commitment to rural communities, Nepal has not only made remarkable strides but also become a beacon of hope in the worldwide context of maternal and child health.

Myagdi District in Gandaki Province is a breathtaking destination adorned with beautiful mountains and hills, attracting nature tourists, especially mountain climbers and trekkers. After a three-hour drive from the renowned city of Pokhara, one arrives at the district's well-developed business hub, Beni Bazar. The town offers a splendid view of the Dhaulagiri mountain range, home to revered peaks like Annapurna, Nilgiri, Churain, Manapathi, and Gurja. This is where One Heart works to improve access to maternal and neonatal healthcare.

Dr. Kirsten Meisinger, a compassionate family medicine physician, shares her journey of transforming healthcare on an international scale. With a passion for patient-centered care, she spearheads team-based systems that enhance the efficiency and quality of primary care. Now, as the Board Chair of One Heart Worldwide, Dr. Meisinger continues her mission to save lives and promote maternal health in Nepal, bridging cultures and making a lasting impact.

The challenging roads of Baglung couldn't deter Arlene Samen and her team from reaching Narayansthan, where a woman in labor needed urgent medical attention. In the absence of an ambulance, the community rallied together, carrying the expectant mother on a stretcher, braving the cliff's daunting path. This experience compelled the One Heart team to establish Nepal's first birthing center, and since then, One Heart Worldwide has positively impacted over one million mothers and newborns across 32 districts, with plans to expand further.

In the remote district of Dolpa, Liku Health Post is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the support of OHW/WEC. Through improved equipment, training, and collaborative efforts, Liku Health Post is enhancing maternal and neonatal healthcare, ensuring early detection of high-risk pregnancies and achieving zero home deliveries in the past three years, bringing hope and better health outcomes to the local community.

In the small municipality of Haripur in Sarlahi District, Nurse Shrijana became a beacon of hope for Laxmi, a young expectant mother fighting against the grips of severe pre-eclampsia. Armed with knowledge gained from a recent SBMP training program and the support of the MNH Helpline, Nurse Shrijana swiftly sprang into action to save both the lives of Laxmi and her unborn child. The collaborative efforts of the nursing staff, along with the invaluable guidance from medical experts, showcased the transformative power of teamwork and expert care.

Karnali Province captivates with its breathtaking landscapes, but beneath the natural beauty lies a tale of underserved populations and infrastructure challenges. Collaborating with local NGOs, OHW has aimed to strengthen the government's health initiatives. The partnership approach with local governments proved successful, paving the way for cost-sharing and improved budget planning. Our engagement extended to community health workers, nurses, and NGO partners, aiming to build a sustainable and equitable healthcare system for all, even in the most remote areas.

One Heart Worldwide (OHW) initiated a program in Madhesh Province, Nepal, with the aim of creating a sustainable maternal and neonatal healthcare system. We collaborate with the Government of Nepal, implement cost-sharing agreements with local municipalities, and provide training to health workers to build their capacity.