Maternal and Child Health (MCH)

Latest Updates

SWAN Nepal kicked off  the Maternal and Child Health Project in January 2024 following the baseline survey in Achham and Bajura districts in the far-western province of Nepal. This project is aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality deaths rate throughout remote communities. As a cross-cutting issue, SWAN has also incorporated livelihood activities into this project.

SWAN is working in two rural municipalities; Ramroshan and Chaurpati in Achham district and two rural municipalities; Swamikartik, and Jagannath and Buddhinanda Municipality in Bajura district. Major interventions include strengthening birthing centers with logistics support, training to health workers and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), and providing leadership skills to Health Facility Management Committee (HFOMC) in close collaboration with the local government

Note: SWAN conducted a baseline survey in Achham and Bajura districts in 2023.

The Global Envirotech Initiative (GEI), USA, serves as the funding partner; Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is the technical partner; and SWAN Nepal is the implementing partner for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Project.

History

SWAN has set an example – by partnering with One Heart Worldwide to implement NSWN (Network of Safety Model for Women and Newborns), a five-year project in Baglung district from 2010 to 2015. The project focused on reinforcing the capacity of birthing centers through the provision of quality equipment and essential trainings to health workers – resulting to increase in institutional deliveries and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.

Yet, the remote regions of Nepal such as Humla still faces a multitude of issues like highest maternal and newborn mortality rates with little or no access to maternity health care services in nearby health facilities. SWAN, thus, continues on its mission to improve maternal and child health outcomes throughout Humla region. SWAN launched Maternal and Child Health (MCH), a two-year project in the Namkha Rural Municipality of Humla from 2018 to 2020 in partnership with Global Partners for Child Health, and University of Utah, Center for Medical Innovations, Global Programs. SWAN-supported birthing centers include Khagaalgau, Kermi, Muchu, Hepka, and Limi. Learn more.

Likewise, SWAN has expanded MCH project (II Phase) in the Sarkegad Rural Municipality of Humla, from 2020 to 2022. In this phase, SWAN supported six health facilities (Gothi, Saya, Rodikote, Barai, Ripa, and Zayir). Read more.

How do we help through the MCH project?

– Supply essential birthing center equipment
– Provide training/skills to health workers
– Conduct community outreach events
– Work in close collaboration with the local government

-Monitoring & evaluation.

Review & Social  Audit Programme in Simikot, Humla

SWAN Nepal concluded the five-year-long “Maternal and Child Health Project” on June 1, 2023 in the presence of key stakeholders amid a function in Simikot, Humla. The event saw the attendance of health workers, female community health volunteers and local leaders from both project areas – Namkha and Sarkegad Rural Municipality, Humla. Read the reflection on the review meeting.

This life-saving “maternal and child health project” would not have been possible without the support of SWAN Deutschland e.V. People of Humla, particularly women, are really grateful to receive support from SWAN. In addition, the local government has applauded the efforts made by SWAN Nepal and Germany in the reduction of maternal and neonatal deaths in Humla. To conclude, rural communities have now understood the value of well-equipped birthing centres, trained health workers, and assisted deliveries in the local health facilities. SWAN believes that we have been able to improve maternal and child health outcomes through sustainable interventions in the low-resource settings of Humla district.  Learn More.