Category NTDs

A place managed by the Government of Nepal for study.

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” Mahatma Gandhi

NTDs/STH, Choughare – a test project of Console Mission (Dilasha Aviyan)

Soil-transmitted Helminths

During the cold winter of 2018 and 2019, 23 locals were trained to identify symptoms of STH, and after their training, they visited each household to check for reoccurring symptoms. Doesn’t this strengthen their capacity? Learning is important, but learning by doing is more effective.

The focus of the project was more on understanding the symptoms than on treating with medicine. The implementation of the overall activities is still ongoing. However, medicines were administered even though they were not budgeted for. Medicines were obtained by writing an application, and consequently, they were made available because they were necessary to address the issue. It is important to recognize that medicine is a sensitive matter and it should not be handled by those who are non-medical and unqualified, as there is a risk that the drugs may cause side effects. If someone who is allergic, or has liver or bone marrow disease, or is pregnant takes it, either knowingly or unknowingly, it could have negative effects.

Even if an individual or organization can obtain it for free, government permission is mandatory because it is a highly effective and prevalent medicine. Without a permit, customs will not allow it to pass through.

During my recent visit to a government health officer in Nepal, I learned that the distribution of free medicine for treating Lymphatic Filariasis, which was last administered in 2017 to all age groups, has been discontinued. However, children under the age of five were treated with Albendazole and Vitamin A in 2018.

In the pursuit of sustainability, local faith-based organizations must demonstrate proactivity. A team whose members are aware of their impact, yet face geographical and logistical challenges in meeting regularly, is essential. If such a team were to convene and conduct awareness programs, their efforts could gain recognition as they engage with each household, akin to the local government’s teachings. Should this team propose initiatives related to health awareness—acknowledging that while public health facilities exist, geographical barriers remain—a likelihood of financial support exists. Their agenda could gain traction, securing the necessary resources. Similarly, the School Health Peer Group might receive backing based on their proven impact. Schools, health posts, and village municipal offices are required to draft an annual plan, for which local assistance is indispensable. Proposals from both formal and informal local entities are considered, with funding contingent upon their credibility. However, plans that overlap or mirror government strategies may face rejection.

As long as an individual or organization does not deviate from the government’s plan, a project or program may proceed without formal approval. However, it is crucial to ensure transparency by maintaining accurate financial records, adhering to the budget, and documenting all provisions, whether they be services, medicines (which should be dispensed logically), or training that falls within the scope of the plan.

Government Office, Konjosom Gaupalika, Lalitpur, Nepal – 27/01/2019

The project focused on empowerment and concept demonstration has concluded. By the end of February 2019, an analysis encompassing activities, challenges, lessons learned, and a presentation on the forthcoming project for the VDCs within Konjosom Gaupalika will be organized. Console Mission will be present in the area, and activities in Choughare will proceed similarly to those of the Health Club. Additionally, their plans for the upcoming year include potentially assisting the Government Health Post with the distribution of vitamins and Albendazole. Should they acquire the medication, they plan to initiate adult dosing as conducted in 2018.

Diversity| Equity | Inclusion

We have seen how worms and little insects are sitting inside of gauva, apple or any other kinds of fruits like cucumbers, carrot or vegetables that we eat after washing with water. Green vegetables like leaves are also used in many kinds of food.

I know that beside using animals dung human manure is also used in field where vegetables are grown. My question is that related to this example, we put meat in freeze but when it don’t get good temperature for example we had to go out of our house for a week. And, suppose electricity went off or something happened that freeze stopped working. And returning we found that it is smelling and rotten. If we look it carefully we even see worms in it. Not just one but many.

How does that happened? We can find the answer easily. We throw it safe but that remains somewhere. Therefore while learning about Soil-transmitted Helminths I was thinking that MDA or Mass Drugs Administration organised by WHO and other relevant organisations and companies will be effective. I mean sustainably effective or not?

What I remember from learning in training is that it gives a good feeling after returning home if I have made my bed properly after getting up in morning. And only preventive chemotherapy like providing Albendazole for intestinal worms like Hookworms, Whipworms and Roundworms is not effective. Something should go parallel. That is the change of heart or transformation.

Suddenly a person or family couldn’t change their behaviour. After a big incident that could happen but is that good. Isn’t it is better that we don’t have to pay price or face tragic situation because someone has already paid for our peace.

Whether the big buddy like WHO, UN or Government announces sooner or later with handful of data about their work. Citizens should know that annually taking Albendazole whether from health centre or from medicine shop by paying is essential. But that could really happen. Because until parallel structure is present it won’t continue. In every village (mostly) there are people gathers in some place and that happens weekly on same day, same time. I think this is not just something a fellowship but if we could see it deeply it could, this group whether formal or informal obtains value that could give light in the community.

Health club or peer group are just materialistic elements but without someone empowering or consoling with the willing care and compassion, prevention is challenging. Though human have received freedom diseases won’t leave.

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Disease is obvious, cause of our past or present, but it is important that we live our life in full. That is possible when we contribute either by living truthful life or living a peaceful life though you are suffering of disease.

Putting more thought over worms, if it was not present in this world how human would have been living their life.