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Interviews, Videos & Guest ArticlesPublished on 28 March 2025

Bringing Maternal and Neonatal Health to the Doorsteps of Nepal’s Most Remote Communities

Maternal health remains a critical challenge in Nepal, especially in remote and mountainous regions where geographical isolation, lack of healthcare facilities, and socio-cultural barriers put mothers and newborns at risk. In areas like Rukum East and Baglung, women often have to walk for hours—sometimes even days—to reach the nearest health center. Many deliver their babies at home without skilled birth attendants, increasing the risk of complications and maternal mortality. FAIRMED is working to change this reality by bringing healthcare to the doorsteps of these communities. communities. Watch this video to see how we are overcoming these challenges and reaching mothers in the most remote parts of Nepal.

How are we working?

By Empowering Women to Take Charge of Their Health: Health care information starts with awareness. We work closely with communities to promote healthy behaviors and encourage women to take charge of their well-being. Through local women’s groups, we create safe spaces for discussions on maternal health, nutrition, and newborn care, enabling women to make informed decisions about their health and that of their children.

By Strengthening the Health System: A strong healthcare system is essential to reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. FAIRMED supports local health facilities by improving infrastructure, providing medical equipment, and training healthcare workers. We also work with Health Facility Operation and Management Committees to ensure better governance and quality service delivery, making healthcare more accessible and reliable for pregnant women and new mothers.

What did we achieve in the year 2024 in Baglung and Rukum East? (Impact in numbers)

  • 38 health workers trained in Skilled Birth Attendance and Maternal & Neonatal Health (MNH)
  • 470 pregnant women received Regular Uterotonic for the Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage
  • 8 new maternity homes constructed/supported, benefiting 688 mothers
  • 27 birthing centers equipped with essential medical supplies, enabling 446 safer institutional deliveries
  • 11 Primary Health Care (PHC) Outreach Clinics supported, serving 4,699 beneficiaries
  • 40 Health Mothers' Groups strengthened using the SATH tool for health awareness, reaching 973 community members
  • 12 laboratories supported, providing services to 1,963 people
  • 115 Health Facility Operation and Management Committee (HFOMC) members trained to enhance healthcare governance
  • 27 health facilities supported in implementing Minimum Service Standards (MSS)

In the End: Nepal’s challenging geography should not determine a mother’s fate. Through mobile health camps, outreach programs, and innovative service delivery models, FAIRMED is ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to maternal and neonatal care. Watch our latest video, it captures this journey, how healthcare is reaching the hardest-to-reach places, ensuring safer pregnancies and healthier futures.

Barath Sundar
FAIRMED, Switzerland
LinkedIn | bharath.sundar@fairmed.ch