Why We Work in Nepal
Nepal is a mountainous, landlocked country situated in the Himalayan Mountains between China and India. Acute poverty is widespread, and maternal healthcare and emergency obstetric services remain in short supply. Only 58% of births are attended by a skilled provider.
Not surprisingly, obstetric fistula persists in the country—particularly in rural areas of Nepal where poor nutrition, child marriage and early childbearing all increase a woman’s risk for obstructed labor and injury. A 2011 UNFPA study estimates there are 4,000–5,000 women living with fistula, and 200–400 new cases each year.
Many victims, and even health workers, are not aware that fistula is a medical condition that can be treated. Nepal’s harsh geography and travel conditions further compound the challenge of accessing treatment. Those who do travel to Kathmandu or India often find their funds are insufficient to pay for surgery.
What You Help Us Do
We are investing in the following areas to build Nepal’s in-country medical services and provide life-transforming surgery to as many women as possible:
Meet Our Partners
We identify local surgical teams in Nepal already successfully treating women with fistula—and then work to amplify their efforts.
Fistula Free Nepal
- Location: Dharan
- Partner Since: 2013
International Nepal Fellowship
- Location: Surkhet
- Partner Since: 2012
Public Health Concern Trust/CBRHCC
- Location: Kathmandu
- Partner Since: 2015
Public Health Concern Trust-Nepal/ Kathmandu Model Hospital
- Location: Kathmandu
- Partner Since: 2014
Below are funding totals since the start of each partnership.
Current Partners
- Fistula Free Nepal: $275,816
- International Nepal Fellowship: $792,294
- Public Health Concern Trust/CBRHCC: $158,292
- Public Health Concern Trust-Nepal/ Kathmandu Model Hospital: $816,545