Nepal

Axes of intervention

Care and surgery
Prevention and screening
Training and skills transfer

Mission start date: 2011

Since 2011, La Chaîne de l'Espoir has been improving access to healthcare for vulnerable Nepalese children and protecting them from the dangers of the street.

Background

In Nepal, extreme poverty drives children into the streets

1 nurse or midwife

per 1,000 inhabitants (compared with 10 per 1,000 in Europe).

2% of newborns

die within the first month of life for lack of appropriate care.

70% of children

under-5s suffer from malnutrition.

Sources : WHO, Unicef

Nepal is one of the world’s poorest countries, with a large proportion of its population living below the poverty line and in need of humanitarian assistance.

Despite a strong political will to develop the healthcare system, it suffers from a lack of resources: uneven distribution of healthcare services, shortage of infrastructure and beds, qualified personnel, equipment, materials and medicines.

The Covid-19 health crisis further exacerbated this situation. While the country had made great strides in recent years in terms of health and poverty reduction, in terms of development it took a leap backwards by several decades. Tourism, one of the country’s main economic sources, has not recovered to pre-Covid levels, plunging millions of families into extreme poverty.

The first victims of these difficulties or of a deteriorated family context, many children have no access to health care, wander the streets and are tempted to leave their homes to find a better life in the capital, Kathmandu. This exposes them to human trafficking, forced labor and sexual exploitation.

Our humanitarian action for children in Nepal

36 school-based health centers

Through our humanitarian actions in Nepal, we have developed health centers in 36 schools, staffed by nurses and open 6 days a week. These provide children with access to healthcare and psycho-social follow-up to diagnose any disorders or pathologies, and prevent street situations. The aim is also to enable every pupil to benefit from an annual health check-up. Regular sessions are also held to raise awareness among children and their parents on subjects relating to health, hygiene, the dangers of the street, sexual abuse and schooling. We also provide financial support to schools where health centers are located, to enable the purchase of products to ensure good hygiene conditions.

Menstrual hygiene: a key issue for girls’ schooling

In Nepal, female menstruation is considered a source of impurity and remains a taboo. Many girls have no access to sanitary protection, which means they miss several days of school a month. In a country where the school enrolment rate for girls is lower than that of boys, this situation further reinforces discrimination against girls.

Thanks to our humanitarian mission in Nepal, we distribute free sanitary towels and raise awareness among schoolchildren in our 36 health centers, breaking down taboos and preconceived ideas so that these girls can lead normal lives and continue to go to school during their periods.

Regional health centers in four districts

A young man at the Godawari Center in Nepal

We have developed health centers in 36 schools, staffed by nurses and open 6 days a week. These provide children with access to healthcare and psycho-social follow-up to diagnose any disorders or pathologies, and prevent street situations. The aim is also to enable every pupil to benefit from an annual health check-up. Regular sessions are also held to raise awareness among children and their parents on subjects relating to health, hygiene, the dangers of the street, sexual abuse and schooling. We also provide financial assistance to schools where health centers are located, to enable the purchase of products to ensure good hygiene conditions.

Taking care of children to protect them from the dangers of the street

In Nepal, the street appears to be a refuge for many children, victims of family violence, neglect or extreme poverty. Forced labor, prostitution : left to their own devices, these children are easy prey. To protect these children from the dangers of the street, we provide before- and after-school care for the most vulnerable children, offering lessons, meals and activities.

Help with schooling at the Godawari center in Nepal

“My parents are farmers and we have very little money. I like going to school and studying, but it’s very difficult because at home my family doesn’t support me : nobody tells me to do my homework or study. Since I’ve been going to the center, I get help with my homework and I have lessons in the morning before going to school.”

Nikhil, a child at the Lapilang center in Dolakha district

Emergency aid for the most vulnerable children

Earthquake in 2015, floods in 2017, Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 : Nepal has been hit by numerous crises and disasters in recent years. Whenever a dramatic event occurs, the most vulnerable families are the first to be affected. In response to the emergency, we mobilize to help children and their families cope with difficult situations, by offering them shelter, food and care. Beyond crisis situations, we provide year-round clothing and meals to the most vulnerable pupils in the schools where our health centers are located.

“My family’s only source of income comes from my father, who is a driver. This is not enough to meet our needs. My family faces many difficulties : we can’t read or write. But I want to study and make something of my life. Thanks to the program, I’ve been able to get a uniform for school and we receive food aid. This enables me and my brothers and sisters to continue going to school.”