Increasing Access to Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Services  

In partnership with Namuna Integrated Development Council

Our aim: to reduce maternal and child mortality, through improved knowledge about safe motherhood, new born and child health, and increased use of health services among mothers from poor and socially excluded groups

Who are we helping?

In Nepal, more than 12 women die each day due to pregnancy related problems.  This situation is made worse because pregnancy related issues are not openly discussed, even within the family, and so antenatal care does not reach those who desperately need it. 

Women and children often delay seeking healthcare, due to:

• Difficulties in reaching a decision to seek health care
• Difficulties in reaching a care facility
• Lack of effective and appropriate care

These delays often lead to a worsening of the condition, which can be fatal in some cases.  Other barriers to accessing healthcare include attitudes to healthcare, lack of knowledge, finance, and transport, and availability and quality of services.

What are we doing to help?

Namuna Integrated Development Council is a Nepalese organisation, which has gained much experience in removing practical and social barriers that prevent women and children from accessing health services.  CWS is partnering with Namuna, to support communities in Rupandehi which are noticeably poorer than those where Namuna currently operates.  The activities will benefit the whole community, but the specific focus will be on the under 5's and mothers.

This project aims to increase knowledge of safer motherhood, neonatal and child health, through interactions between pregnant women and their families, setting up local female groups, information materials printed in local language, street dramas, wall paintings, and training for local women groups to grow nutritious foods.  We also want to increase ease of access to existing government health services, by reducing the social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers and stigmas.  Namuna is providing emergency funds and transport where needed, working together with traditional healers, supporting government health posts, and advocating for a birthing centre.