Good Health and Well-Being

Marginalized communities face economic, socio-cultural, geographical, and institutional barriers to health care access. The Nepal government’s 2015-2020 National Health Sector Strategy notes that Muslims have the lowest healthcare utilization in Nepal. Lack of education and poverty play a huge role in preventing access to health services for the rural Muslim population. The lowest Human Development Index ranking of Muslims in Nepal reflects their low educational attainment and access to health services. The situation for Muslim women is worse. They face many challenges to accessing health care with prevailing gender inequalities and gender-based norms.

NMWWS is committed to ensuring access to health services for all. It is a fundamental right of every citizen. Good health provides the foundation for community and economic development. We work on programs such as free health camps/clinics and health education to reduce inequity in health and improve health outcomes. We improve access to health care services by expanding public health facilities and strengthening community-based interventions.

Empowering Communities Through Effective Emergency Response

In times of crisis, swift and effective emergency response can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. From natural disasters to global pandemics, targeted interventions can alleviate immediate suffering and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery. Here’s a look at some impactful emergency response initiatives carried out by various organizations, demonstrating the power of community support and resilience.

Relief Efforts for Flood-Affected Lactating Mothers (2017)

In 2017, a critical initiative focused on distributing relief packages to flood-affected lactating mothers. These packages included essential food items, clothing, and daily necessities to support the most vulnerable in the aftermath of the disaster. By addressing the immediate needs of these mothers, the initiative provided crucial support during a challenging time, ensuring they had the resources needed for their well-being and that of their infants.

Addressing COVID-19 Challenges (2021)

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, prompting a series of targeted responses to address its multifaceted impact:

  • Mental Health Training for Faith Leaders: Recognizing the increased mental health issues due to the pandemic, province-level training was organized for faith leaders. This initiative empowered religious leaders to understand and address mental health concerns within their communities, highlighting their critical role in supporting mental well-being.

  • Radio Programs and Awareness Campaigns: Radio programs were launched to share experiences of COVID-19 patients and provide guidance from health professionals. These programs aimed to shift community attitudes and behaviors towards COVID-19, emphasizing preventive measures and resilience. Additionally, a door-to-door miking campaign was conducted to raise awareness about COVID-19, ensuring that accurate information reached every corner of the community.

  • Distribution of COVID-19 Health Materials: Essential health materials, including oxygen cylinders, antigen kits, masks, and sanitizers, were distributed to municipalities in need. This initiative, led by community leaders, provided critical resources for combating the pandemic and supporting local health infrastructure.

  • Radio Programs and Awareness Campaigns: Radio programs were launched to share experiences of COVID-19 patients and provide guidance from health professionals. These programs aimed to shift community attitudes and behaviors towards COVID-19, emphasizing preventive measures and resilience. Additionally, a door-to-door miking campaign was conducted to raise awareness about COVID-19, ensuring that accurate information reached every corner of the community.

  • Distribution of COVID-19 Health Materials: Essential health materials, including oxygen cylinders, antigen kits, masks, and sanitizers, were distributed to municipalities in need. This initiative, led by community leaders, provided critical resources for combating the pandemic and supporting local health infrastructure.

Livelihood Support for Earthquake-Affected Women (2015)

In response to the devastating earthquake in Nepal, a targeted project was launched to support earthquake-affected women and girls. The initiative provided tika/bindi making training and seed stock to help women establish new livelihood opportunities. This support was vital for economic recovery and empowerment, enabling women to regain control over their lives and contribute to their community’s rebuilding efforts.

Effective emergency response requires a coordinated approach, addressing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery. Through targeted initiatives like relief distributions, mental health support, GBV prevention, and livelihood training, communities can navigate crises with resilience and hope. These efforts not only alleviate immediate suffering but also empower individuals and communities to rebuild and thrive in the face of adversity.