The handover ceremony was officiated by Ghanshyam Bhandari, Minister for Social Development of Karnali Province, alongside Ram Chandra Timothy, Chairman of INF Nepal. The event was also an opportunity to extend special thanks to Dr. Shirley Heywood for her outstanding dedication and contributions to this mission, as well as to the many healthcare workers who have played a role in the centre’s success. Dr. Heywood’s commitment has been instrumental in building and sustaining a service that provides dignity and hope for women in need.

INF Nepal acknowledges the invaluable support of our funding partners, whose contributions have been essential in establishing and maintaining the fistula treatment services over the years. Your support has left a lasting impact, providing accessible healthcare and a better quality of life for affected women.

As INF Nepal hands over operations to the Province Hospital, the organisation remains deeply committed to improving healthcare in the Karnali region, supporting initiatives that align with our mission to bring sustainable and inclusive healthcare to all. We look forward to seeing the Province Hospital continue this vital work, empowered by the foundation laid through our partnership.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping make this vision a reality!

The camps were organised at the Udaypur Health Post of Ward No. 5 and Shisawa Health Post of Ward No. 9, which saw 440 individuals (212 male and 228 female). Among them, eight individuals were suspected of leprosy cases, needing immediate initiation of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), while seven underwent biopsies for further diagnosis.

Various skin conditions were addressed during the camp, highlighting the diverse healthcare needs within the community, including Multibacillary leprosy, type-1 reaction, tinea, eczema, dryness, planta, allergy, scabies, and vitiligo.

The camps were led by a medical team from Green Pastures Hospital, including a dermatologist and lab technologist, supported by a community outreach team and coordinated by the local INF team of Kapilvastu Branch Office.

The primary objective of leprosy screening medical camp is to proactively detect and diagnose individuals suffering from leprosy within a community or population. Identify individuals with early signs and symptoms of leprosy, allowing for prompt treatment initiation and prevention of further transmission and prevention from grade two disability.

Mayor Aftab Alam of Maharajgunj Municipality thanked the INF team, acknowledging their dedication to addressing neglected issues within Kapilvastu.

We are also thankful to the local officials, including Mayor Abdul Kalam, Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 9 Pharid Ahamud Muhammad, Leprosy Focal Person of Maharajgunj municipality Radheshyam Kalwar, Health Unit In-charge Iswari Prasad Neupane, and Chief of the Health Office in Kapilbastu Narayan Prasad Chaudhary for all their support and collaboration. Their positive assessment affirmed the programme’s effectiveness in addressing crucial healthcare needs within the community.