When a woman went into a difficult labor in a remote Baglung village, the men of the community carried her barefoot down a cliff to reach help, and Arlene Samen knew her work in Nepal was only beginning.

At Liku Health Post in one of Dolpa's most remote corners, mothers can now get early warning of a risky pregnancy without leaving their community.

When a young first-time mother arrived at a Sarlahi health center with signs of severe pre-eclampsia, Nurse Shrijana's recent training and a call to an expert helpline made the difference between crisis and a healthy delivery.

Across the remote, mountainous districts of Karnali Province, One Heart Worldwide and its local partners are helping governments and communities build maternal care systems designed to last long after the program ends.

For Nilesh Kumar Pravana, strengthening maternal care in Madhesh Province is personal, and it starts with a team drawn from the very communities it serves, fluent in their languages and rooted in their customs.

When Ramuna reached her local health post in the throes of a dangerous delivery, the skilled nurses and renovated birthing center waiting for her were the lasting result of a partnership that has since put Sankhuwasabha's care in local hands.