January 27, 2012
Japanese Assistance for Strengthening Reproductive Health Service Project through improving Health Facilities and Capacity Building for Medical Service Workers
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The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial assistance of 635,165US Dollars; equivalent to approximately 51,384,848.5 Nepalese Rupees to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Japan, in Japan’s Fiscal Year 2011 under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects Scheme of the Government of Japan. ADRA Japan, in close coordination with ADRA Nepal, will implement Strengthening Reproductive Health Service Project through improving Health Facilities and Capacity Building for Medical Service Workers in Dailekh District.
A Grant Contract relating to this project was signed and exchanged today between His Excellency Mr. Kunio TAKAHASHI, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Ms. Mai OGAWA, Project Manager, ADRA Japan.
ADRA is an international non-governmental organization working in many countries and regions throughout the world. ADRA Japan, an affiliated organization of ADRA, has been working in Nepal for the past decade. One of its major activities is an annual Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery Project at Scheer Memorial Hospital in Banepa, Kavrepalanchoke District. Through this free medical health camp, ADRA Japan has treated nearly 850 patients, mainly from rural areas. Besides the Surgery Project, ADRA Japan is conducting an Educational Sponsorship Project to support children from economically disadvantaged families.
The grant which was signed today will be utilized to improve neonatal and maternal health care service by upgrading health facilities and promoting capacity development among medical service workers at Dailekh District in Mid-Western Nepal. According to ADRA Japan, the situation of neonatal and maternal health care services is extremely poor in the targeted area due to lack of skilled medical workers as well as well-equipped medical facilities. Pregnant women and their families are obliged to face delivery without proper and adequate medical care causing high maternal and infant mortality rates. To address these issues, ADRA Japan, in collaboration with ADRA Nepal and the Safe Motherhood Network Federation Nepal, will establish Birth Centers at six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Dailekh District. ADRA Japan will also implement various capacity development activities for medical service workers such as Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Mother and Child Health Workers (MCHWs) who are currently working in the targeted area. The project also works towards enhancing the functions of health administration bodies at both district and VDC levels.
Speaking at the function, H.E. Mr. Kunio TAKAHASHI reiterated the necessity of improving the basic neonatal and maternal health care services of rural Nepal. At the same time, H.E. expressed his belief that this project will benefit the local communities and contribute to improving the health environment in the area, and play a significant role to strengthen the friendly relationship between Japan and Nepal.
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