INF Nepal are hosting a hybrid international conference on 18^th and 19^th February in Kathmandu, to explore the development of primary palliative care in rural Nepal. You are cordially invited to attend the interactive virtual conference. The face to face and virtual conferences will be fully integrated. Registration is free for all participants.

To register, please scan the QR code below or click on the link: Click here to Register

The conference will focus on the outcomes of the Sunita Project (2022-2025). Sunita is a UK Aid Match Funded project delivered by INF Nepal and EMMS International, a Scottish health development charity.

Led from the Green Pastures Hospital, Palliative Care and Chronic Disease (PCCD) unit (https://www.inf.org/our-work/palliative-care/) the Sunita Project has provided training and support to health workers and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHV) in rural areas.  The project has also focused on awareness building in communities through schools and health related community groups. During the three year project a model of rural primary palliative care which is guided by the National Strategy for Palliative Care (2017) has been created.

In order to ensure the outcomes of the model development are evidenced based, Sunita Project has included a substantial research programme which has been delivered in partnership with the Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh.

The Sunita Project will be completed on 31^st March 2025 and emerging outcomes from the project will be presented at the conference. The conference will also include presentations from partner organisations delivering palliative care in rural Nepal and international guests who will present from other contexts in South Asia and Africa.

Despite coming from a poor background, Rani had a strong desire to build a better future. With a keen interest in tailoring, she took the step of investing her own savings to attend a training program in Nepalgunj. However, upon completing the training, she faced a major hurdle—a lack of funds to start her tailoring business.

Determined not to give up, Rani reached out to the INF Nepal implemented project SRIJANA-II. Following discussions with community members and the project team, she was selected to receive in-kind support. This assistance, valued at NPR 50,000, provided the essential materials she needed to establish her tailoring shop from a sewing machine, fabric, scissors, measuring tapes, and other essential tailoring materials necessary to set up her shop.

Thanks to this timely support, Rani successfully opened her shop in Gothijeula. While the registration process for the shop is still underway, her business is already making a positive impact on her family’s income as she has been earning a humble income from the tailoring. She shared her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I am very thankful for the support I received. It has helped me turn my skills into a livelihood.”

Rani’s story highlights the importance of small but meaningful support in transforming lives. With determination and the right assistance, she has taken a step toward financial independence and a better future for her family.

*Name changed for anonymity

Female community health volunteers (FCHV) play a crucial role ensuring the health and well-being of women and communities in Nepal. They are recruited locally, trained on basic primary health care, and serve as frontline pillars of community-based health programs in Nepal. Through engaging FCHVs, sexual, reproductive, maternal, and child health (SRMCH) in communities in the remote and mountainous Kalikot District of Nepal.

Sarita* is a thirty-eight-year-old FCHV participating in INF Nepal’s “Improving reproductive health and preventing child marriage” project. Sarita has served as an FCHV in Kalikot for 16 years. She has made significant contributions to the community-based health program in the district and plays a vital role in providing health education and basic services to the community.

Sarita participated in a training on, sexual, reproductive, maternal, and child health (SRMCH), gender equality and child marriage offered by INF Nepal. Since receiving the training, she actively shares this knowledge when leading Mothers’ Group Meetings and when counselling women during home visits.

Sarita shares, “Programs run by INF Nepal like SRMCH training, awareness raising programs… and the mobilization of Mothers’ Groups… have a significant contribution to improving the community awareness of sexual and reproductive health services and improves access to such services by the women and adolescent girls.”

In collaboration with INF Nepal, Sarita conducts Mothers’ Group Meetings and home visits, She supports pregnant women and mothers of young children with essential health knowledge and practices, ensuring better outcomes during the critical “golden 1,000 days” (from conception to two years of age). Her work extends beyond group settings to home visits, where she ensures pregnant women receive proper nutrition, rest, and antenatal care. She also educates women on proper prenatal nutrition, encourages them to access antenatal, postnatal and delivery services in a health facility, raises awareness of the consequences of child marriage and early childbearing, and distributes family planning supplies to couples, bridging the gap between government health services and the community.

The impact of FCHVs like Sarita was highlighted by Anjana*, a 22-year-old new mother who remarked,

“Sarita has been a guide for countless ladies. She encourages all new mothers to attend the Mothers’ Group Meeting regularly, so they benefit from the program. She ensures that pregnant women undergo antenatal care checkups according to protocol, advises on precautions during pregnancy and ensures timely vaccination for children. Moreover, she has been an active campaigner in preventing child marriage in our locality.”

Sarita’s efforts, supported by INF Nepal’s programs, have significantly reduced child marriage and gender-based violence in her locality. She highlights the importance of INF’s initiatives, saying, “Programs like SRMCH training, awareness sessions, child club and mother group mobilization, and the establishment of birthing centers in collaboration with the government have greatly improved community awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health services for women and adolescent girls.”

Sarita is a dedicated volunteer who has made a significant contribution to facilitating open discussions about child marriage and improving the health of mothers and children in her community. Her training on SRMCH, gender equality, and child marriage has strengthened her knowledge and skills, enabling her to make a greater impact on the health and well-being of women and girls in her community. INF Nepal continues to work with dedicated FCHVs like Sarita to strengthen sexual, reproductive, maternal, and child health in Kalikot District, Nepal.

Story By

Mahesh Sanjyal, Team Leader & Padma Hitan, Project Officer

Read our recent story here: Click here to read

She grew up in Sunchahari-4 Suri in a family that struggled to make ends meet. Their small farm produced enough food for only four months, and the rest of the year was spent doing temporary labor work for income.

While working with her father in India, Bhim Maya met her husband. They got married and returned to Nepal, but life remained challenging. With little land, farming only provided enough for a few months, so they worked other jobs to support their family of six children.

Seven years ago, Bhim Maya’s husband passed away unexpectedly. This left her as the sole provider for her family, with no property or savings to rely on. Managing the household became harder, and she also faced unkind comments from people in her community.

During this time, INF Nepal’s Rolpa branch introduced the EDUCATE project and formed the Lumma Debi self-help group. Bhim Maya joined the group, which included 17 members, to learn ways to improve livelihoods through farming. In the group meetings, members shared their challenges and found ways to support each other.

Through the project, Bhim Maya received Rs. 15,000 to start goat farming. She bought two goats and, with her care, now has six. By selling two goats, she earned enough money to support her family. Goat farming has given Bhim Maya a steady source of income, making it easier to manage daily expenses.

Being part of the self-help group has also strengthened her ties with the community. Neighbors who once judged her have become more supportive, and she no longer needs to take high-interest loans to meet her needs.

Today, Bhim Maya is proud of her ability to provide for her family. She is grateful to INF Nepal for their support and hopes more women can benefit from similar initiatives in the future.

For women like Bhim Maya, who face immense challenges in providing for their families, even small support can lead to significant changes. Beyond financial impact, this kind of support promotes dignity and empowerment. It gives women like Bhim Maya an opportunity to, earn their own income, and make decisions for their families. It also shifts how the community perceives them. In Bhim Maya’s case, the support helped change her neighbors’ attitudes, turning judgment into encouragement. Small interventions like this also break cycles of poverty and dependence. Over time, these efforts ripple out, creating stronger families and more supportive communities.

On 16th and 17th November 2024, INF Nepal celebrated its 72nd INF Day under the theme “Moving Forward Together,” a reflection of the organization’s commitment to partnership, collaboration and shared progress. The celebration extended over two days, beginning with an informal gathering on 16th November 2024 and concluding in a formal event on 17^th November, INF Day itself.

16th November 2024: A Day of Gratitude and Fellowship

The informal program brought together local church leaders, members of the Pokhara Christian community, expatriate friends, General and board members of INF Nepal, INF families, INF staff, and partners, celebrating the partnership with the Christian Community. It was a heart-warming time of thanksgiving, worship, prayer, and fellowship, as the attendees reflected into the Lord’s blessing during the past year and look to him to establish the steps in year ahead. All the attendees joined together in heartfelt thanksgiving service, expressing gratitude for INF’s remarkable journey and the countless lives touched by its mission. The worship session served as a moment of reflection and renewal, honoring the faith and vision of the pioneers who laid the foundation for INF’s impactful work.

A significant highlight of the day was a moment of reflection on INF’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings. The program honored the legacy of the organization’s pioneers—faithful medical missionaries and the Nepali members of the Nepal Evangelistic Band (NEB), now known as the International Nepal Fellowship (INF). Attendees were reminded of the extraordinary faith and dedication of these early trailblazers, whose vision and relentless efforts laid the foundation for the organization’s work today. Adding to the occasion, the evening marked a significant moment with the official launch of INF Nepal’s newly designed website, a step forward in enhancing the organization’s online presence and outreach.

The program, chaired by George John, a distinguished figure in the field of education in Pokhara, was a time of rejoicing and gratitude. Greetings and heartfelt messages flowed freely as participants celebrated the legacy of the pioneers and expressed deep appreciation for the steadfastness of the INF family over the decades. This meaningful reflection added depth to the thanksgiving, uniting the participants in their shared faith and sacrifices of those who came before. The event on the 16th also featured a meaningful sermon delivered by Dr Deependra Kumar Gautam, INF Nepal Board Advisor who reflected on the life, vision, and extraordinary faith of INF’s early pioneers. His message served as a reminder of the deep-rooted legacy of commitment and service that continues to guide INF’s mission today.

The 16th November program was also graced by a special guest, Jutta Weber, a German-born nurse and now a Nepali citizen, who was among the pioneer members of INF’s foundational work in Nepal. She worked alongside Eileen Lodge at Green Pastures Hospital, significantly contributing to its mission.

Jutta headed the leprosy survey team formed by the hospital to control and prevent leprosy in the western half of Nepal. During the survey, Jutta felt a vision birthed in her life, giving her a new direction for her work in Nepal. This vision inspired her to create a haven for leprosy patients who, after receiving treatment from the hospital, had nowhere to go. She initially started this home with five girls living with her in Pokhara. The home later became known as Jutta’s community in Khaireni, symbolizing her extraordinary faith and dedication to serving those in need.

Jutta’s presence at the event was a profound reminder of the enduring legacy of INF’s pioneers and their selfless work that continues to inspire generations.

As the evening unfolded, a special segment of the program was dedicated to showing appreciation and acknowledging the contributions of key leaders who have played a significant role in INF’s journey. Certificates of Commendation were presented to: Michael Thomas, Outgoing Chair of the INF/UK Board of Trustees, John Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of INF/UK, and Ram Chandra Timothy, Outgoing Chairperson of INF Nepal, for their many years of faithful and effective leadership and for their steadfast dedication to advancing INF’s vision and mission.

This segment of the program was a heartfelt tribute to these individuals for their outstanding leadership and unwavering support, which have significantly contributed to shaping and strengthening INF’s work in Nepal and beyond.

The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks from INF Nepal Board Chairperson, Mr. Madhu Kumar Thapa, and collective prayer and a fellowship dinner.

17th November 2024: The Formal Celebration of 72nd INF Day   

The formal celebration took place across INF Nepal’s working areas, with a special event hosted at the MPLC, Green Pasture Complex, Pokhara. The program on 17th November was celebrated with INF’s government stakeholders, INF family, General and board members of INF Nepal, funding partners, staff members, and expatriate friends. This event was a heartfelt gathering that reflected INF’s deep-rooted partnerships and the collective commitment to its mission of serving Nepal. The presence of these valued stakeholders underscored the shared vision and collaboration that have been instrumental in INF’s journey over the years. The day was marked by meaningful reflections, heartfelt stories, and a celebration of the milestones achieved through the shared efforts of all the INF stakeholders. It highlighted the collective dedication to bringing the vision of “Life in all Its Fullness”.

The day began with a Welcome Speech by Dhana Lama, Treasurer of the INF Nepal Board, followed by the official Program Inauguration chaired by Madhu Kumar Thapa, Chairperson of INF Nepal. The Chief Guest, Dr. Binod Bindu Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Gandaki Province, addressed the audience, commending INF Nepal’s contributions to health and community development works in Nepal.

• INF’s Journey and Vision:
  Krishna Adhikari, Executive Director of INF Nepal, shared insights into the organization’s journey—past achievements, present initiatives, and future aspirations.
• Personal Testimonies:
  Beneficiaries from the Hospital and Health Services and Community Health and Development sectors shared moving accounts of their transformative experiences, showcasing INF Nepal’s impact at the grassroots level.
• Drama on Palliative Care:
  A powerful drama titled “Ray of Hope” was performed by INF’s palliative care team, shedding light on the importance of compassionate care for patients in need. The performance emphasized the theme of “Walking the Extra Mile” and highlighted the growing need for palliative care services in Nepal.
• Cultural Performances:
  INF staff members performed a nationalistic song, and the nursing team presented a cultural dance, adding a celebratory touch to the occasion.
• Acknowledgment and Gratitude:
  Local leaders, including Toran Baniya (Ward Chairperson, Ward No. 15), Sahara Pradhan (Ward Chairperson, Ward No. 1), Phil Lindsay (Chairperson, INF International), Bimala Bhandari (Press Registrar, Gandaki Province), Ram Prasad Subedi (President, NGO Federation of Nepal),and Khim Bahadur Khadka (Director General, Health Directorate, Gandaki Province)  delivered messages of best wishes. Their speeches highlighted the importance of partnership and collaboration, expressing gratitude for past efforts and emphasizing the need for continued cooperation in the future. Ram Chandra Timothy, former Chairperson of INF Nepal Board, shared his heartfelt wishes for the organization.
• Recognizing Contributions:
  Retired staff were honoured and were formally acknowledged in a special appreciation ceremony; these individuals who have been an integral part of INF’s journey. Each honoree was acknowledged for their remarkable contribution and longstanding service to others.

1. Om Kar Poudel, Senior Finance Manager, 34 years of Service
2. Late Mr. Prithi Bahadur Shahi, Support Staff, 19 years of Service
3. Dhan Prasad Sarki, Prosthetic and Orthotic In Charge, 34 years of Service
4. Ruth Pariyar, Counsellor, 38 years of Service

• Sports Week Prize Distribution:
  Winners of the Sports Week were celebrated, with prizes distributed by the Chairperson and Executive Director of INF Nepal, adding an element of fun and recognition to the event.

The program concluded with Vote of Thanks from Mr. Madhu Kumar Thapa, Chairperson of the INF Nepal Board. The day ended on a reflective note, filled with gratitude, joy, and a shared commitment to move forward together.

#INFDay2024 #INFNepal #MovingForwardTogether #HospitalHealthServices #CommunityHealthandDevelopment #PalliativeCare #HealthAndWellbeing #INF72Day #Pokhara

I was fortunate enough to attend a local school that provided education for children like me. From grades 1 to 5, I studied there, and for my higher education, I moved on to Sirjana Residential Secondary School for the Deaf in Pokhara, where I specialised in education studies during grades 11 and 12. Unfortunately, after finishing grade 12, financial constraints and other challenges made it impossible to continue my education.

The job market was tough, with very few opportunities for someone like me. Undeterred, I joined Gandaki Bahira Sangh (Gandaki Association of the Deaf), where I dedicated myself to advocating for the rights of individuals with hearing disabilities. I also became an active member of a network supporting people with disabilities in Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality. The search for meaningful employment continued, and it was during this time that I met a staff member from INF Nepal. We discussed the possibility of working with them, and I learned that INF encourages applications from individuals with disabilities.

In 2073 BS (2016), I joined INF Nepal, and since then, I’ve been working as a gardener at the INF Nepal Central office. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that values diversity and inclusivity. The collaboration, training, and support within INF is remarkable, and this journey has also taken me to areas like Banke and Surkhet, which has been an incredibly enriching experience.

Though my education might have led me into a different career path, my role as a gardener has brought great personal fulfilment. The team at INF Nepal has become like a second family to me, offering warmth, support, and kindness. This environment has allowed me to live independently and with dignity, letting my disability fade into the background.

In 2019, I had the honour of representing Nepal at the Annual General Meeting of the World Federation of the Deaf in Paris, France. It was an eye-opening experience, meeting deaf individuals from around the world, learning about their cultures, sign languages, and the services available to the deaf community. I also had the privilege of representing the Gandaki Association of the Deaf in Thailand, where I exchanged ideas and deepened cross-cultural understanding.

In conclusion, I am deeply grateful to INF Nepal for their unwavering support throughout my journey. I look forward to watching this incredible organisation continue to grow and thrive. Thank you for empowering individuals like me to overcome life’s challenges and flourish.

As if the physical toll wasn’t enough, the emotional strain of discrimination prevented Meena from pursuing her dreams, including marriage. Her condition and society’s prejudices made it impossible for her to find a partner, and despite her high standards, her options remained limited. Yet Meena’s story took a hopeful turn when she learned about Green Pastures Hospital (GPH) from a neighbour. Inspired by their success, Meena consulted with a plastic surgeon at GPH, who recommended reconstructive surgery for her hands. Meena underwent the surgery in two stages, first on her right hand and later on her left. Thanks to the charity support and excellent care at GPH, Meena’s hands were restored, and with them, her hope for a brighter future.

Coming from a large family of nine siblings, Meena was always an inspiration to her loved ones, especially her younger brother, who supported her both financially and emotionally. Despite her challenges, she never gave up. With her newfound independence after surgery, Meena now has the confidence to pursue skills training and secure a job, aiming for financial freedom. Her determination to overcome adversity fuels her vision of a future filled with possibility and empowerment.

(Name changed for anonymity)

Recognizing the urgency of these challenges, the Nepal government has made Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS) a priority. These stoves are designed to be more efficient, reducing cooking time, lowering the risk of respiratory diseases, and helping conserve valuable firewood. Additionally, ICS lowers carbon emissions, lightens the workload for women, and reduces reliance on traditional fuels.

INF Nepal has been at the forefront of promoting ICS in the districts of Rolpa and Bajura. Last year alone, 792 ICS were distributed, with remarkable results: firewood consumption dropped by 57%, from 3,440 kg to just 1,946 kg, and women saved around 15.7 hours each month. Women like Khem Maya Rokaya from Bajura are already feeling the difference: “The amount of time and firewood needed has been reduced thanks to the ICS. I can now finish my household work faster, and I’m grateful to INF Nepal for their support,” she shared.

By adopting ICS, communities are not only improving the health and well-being of women but also reducing their environmental impact, making everyday tasks more efficient, and contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

(Name changed for anonymity)

Determined not to give up, Kal crafted a wooden leg for himself, hoping it would allow him to carry on. But despite his ingenuity, life became more difficult. Financial and household responsibilities shifted to his parents and wife, and his attempts to work by grazing cows and goats were hindered by the sores caused by the painful wooden leg. That’s when INF Nepal’s CHD Project stepped in. Through the Nadegufa Disability Group and collaboration with INF’s Jumla branch and Green Pastures Hospital in Pokhara, Kal received an artificial leg that restored much of his mobility.

With his new prosthetic leg, Kal regained the ability to walk and take part in daily activities, including tending to his cattle. “I can now walk without a stick and work like others. My family and neighbours are happy to see me doing well,” he says with a sense of pride. Krishna Rawat, chairperson of the Self-Help Group, adds, “Supporting Kal has brought joy to his family and the community, and it shows that INF Nepal stands by those who need help the most.”

Kal’s journey is just one example of the broader impact of CHD’s work. Last year alone, 357 individuals with disabilities received assistive devices, restoring their mobility and independence, while 225 people were granted disability cards, enabling access to vital services such as social security and healthcare.

Rushed to a provincial hospital for emergency surgery, Gopal’s family was quickly overwhelmed by the mounting medical bills, especially after the recent loss of his father, who had battled paralysis for 15 years. With his father gone, the weight of supporting the family fell on Gopal’s mother. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when Gopal was referred to Green Pastures Hospital (GPH) for rehabilitation. At GPH, he was given the tools to regain his independence—starting with a wheelchair that enabled him to move freely. With dedicated physiotherapy and occupational therapy, Gopal gradually regained strength, while peer counseling helped him face the emotional challenges of his new reality.

Throughout this journey, Gopal’s mother and wife stood by his side, providing unwavering love and support. Their encouragement, coupled with GPH’s care, ignited hope in Gopal’s heart. Each small victory—whether a moment of physical progress or shared laughter—marked a step toward reclaiming his life.

Gopal’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, showing that with the right care, support from loved ones, and sheer determination, life after tragedy can still offer hope. In the past year alone, GPH treated 81 spinal cord injury cases and provided rehabilitation to 688 patients, underscoring its vital role in offering specialized care to individuals facing life-altering challenges.