Each year, a team of healthcare professionals travel from the UK and Kathmandu to rural parts of Nepal to improve healthcare through training and education.
HPN have a variety of projects with a focus on improving healthcare for children and women from impoverished communities.
Improving access to surgery for children
2/3 of the world’s children lack access to surgical care. Inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical conditions, affecting up to 1 in 20 children.
In rural Nepal, 1 in 10 children with an obstructed hernia will die.
HPN's surgical team train rural hospital doctors to perform safe surgery for children with inguinal hernia to prevent death from this condition.
The tradition of chaupadi regards women as impure during their monthly period.
Women are banished to the cowshed during their period, exposing them to rape, attacks by wild animals and the cold.
HPN aims to tackle this practice by providing women with re-usable sanitary packs, alongside education about Menstrual Hygiene and Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Freedom Kit Bags Project
Reproductive Health Training
Early marriage and resulting early sexual debut in Nepal can lead to a number of potentially adverse outcomes, including unplanned pregnancy and exposure to STIs.
HPN has been providing training for Community Healthcare Staff and Students in concepts around Sexual and Reproductive Health to improve patient education around these topics.
Paediatric Emergency Training
HPN's Paediatric team provide rural nurses and doctors training on paediatric emergencies including new born life support, acutely unwell children and major trauma in children.
Basic Life Support Training for the Community
HPN clinicians visit villages to teach first aid and CPR including local leaders, teachers and school pupils.
Dental Hygiene at Schools
HPN visit schools to teach children how to look after their teeth as well as providing free toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Mothers and children in Nepal currently do not have the opportunity to receive vital checks at 6-8 weeks after birth which can help to ease concerns and prevent future health problems.
HPN is currently working on plans to help local nurses and volunteers implement these checks to ensure equitable access to healthcare and support for mothers and babies in Nepal.