Welcome to CP Nepal Office at Dang
We welcomed Miss. Suraya Bondy, Miss. Agnes Ho, Mr. Chris Lanz, Miss. Katherine Gray, Miss. Julia Handra, Miss. Kiki Yu, Mr. Jordan Penner, Mr. Josh Cunningham, and Miss. Precilia Kong medical students from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada to Nepal. We express our gratitude for your continued support for our community in health education. Your contributions have truly made a difference in the lives of those in need in Nepal, and we are deeply humbled by your support, trust, and generosity.
Sickle cell screening, thereby upgrading health posts, and adolescents' education and including mental health will have a profound impact. By ensuring access to these services, we can equip young people with the resources they need to lead healthier lives. We will try our best efforts to make your stay fruitful and enjoyable. Thank you again for all that you do and we are honored to have you as part of our team.
What is Sickle Cell Disease??
Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic disorder that affects the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells. It causes the cells to form a crescent or sickle shape, which can block blood flow and lead to severe pain, infections, and damage to organs. Tharu community, like many other communities, is also affected by this disease. Sickle Cell Disease can cause severe pain, infections, anemia, and other complications. It is important for the Tharu community to be aware of Sickle Cell Disease and its symptoms, so that they can seek early treatment. The symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease include fatigue, pain in the bones and joints, weakness, and frequent infections.
There are many treatment options available for Sickle Cell Disease, including pain medications, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplants. It is important for patients to work closely with their doctors to manage their condition.
Sisahaniya, 25 Baisakh 2080 :
Various programs related to sickle cell anemia, pain management and girl education have been conducted in Rapti-7, Sisahaniya. The program was organized by Creating Possibilities Nepal (CP) and coordinated by Rapti Rural Municipality Health Branch. The programs were conducted for nine days with the financial support of British Universities of Columbia. Nine medical students studying at the British University of Columbia also participated in the program.
Blood Screening program :
Blood tests have been conducted in coordination with the project of Creating Possibilities Nepal (CP) and Rapti Rural Municipality Health Branch, Ward No. 5, 6, 7 and 8 of Rapti rural municipality in the blood test program. During the screening of 242 people, sickle cell anemia was found in 28 peoples, informed by Ramesh Chaudhary, the delivery assistant of Sisahaniya Health Chowki.
Shyam Chaudhary, an employee of CP Nepal, informed that those found positive during the screening will be consulted and coordinated for further tests and only after that the disease or trait will be detected and more awareness programs will be conducted.
Similarly, Rapti Rural Municipality Health Branch Coordinator Narayan Rawat said that there is a need for related programs in this municipality, which has a majority of Tharu community, and said that the programs will be conducted in coordination in the coming days.
Visit to Bheri Hospital and Rapti Institute of Health Sciences :
Nine medical students studying at British University of Columbia and Director of CP Nepal, Dinesh Raj Sapkota, visited Bheri Regional Hospital and Rapti Institute of Health Sciences, Ghorahi.
During the visit, Manoj Shrestha, an employee of CP Nepal informed that sickle cell specialist Dr. Rajan Pandey had a discussion on pregnancy, thalassemia, pain management, menstruation and other issues including sickle cell.
Apart from this, the same group also visited the Rapti Institute of Health Sciences. Sarita Chaudhary, an employee of CP Nepal, informed that she had a meeting with Rector of the institution Dr. Vasant Lamichhane and physician Dr. Ajayraj Gautam. During the interview, Dr. Lamichhane discussed the situation of adolescent education, reproductive health, family planning and safe motherhood in Dang district.
Also Dr. Gautam discussed the situation of sickle cell in Dang district, pain management and the problems faced by the patients and also said that the patients are forced to pay expensive fees in private labs for hemoglobin electrophoresis and said that all areas should take initiatives to raise public awareness about this disease.
Pain management awareness:
A one-day awareness program on sickle cell anemia and pain management has been conducted in Rapti rural municipality in coordination with Sisahaniya health post. Sisahaniya health center doctor Dr. Bharat Pokhrel informed conducted this program.
Women's health volunteers from various wards of Rapti rural municipality, ward no. 6 people's representatives, members of mothers' groups, and teachers participated. Stating that this topic is new to them, the participants promised that after this program they will spread awareness about this topic in the villages of the working area.
The program was attended by Sarita Chaudhary of CP Nepal, Dhan Bahadur Khadka, head of the health post, and students studying at the British University of Columbia.
Street drama :
A street play has been performed in Rapti Rural Municipality-6, Majheria with the aim of spreading awareness about sickle cell. Organizers said that many communities are still ignorant about this and to spread awareness about it, the play was performed using the local language.
A street drama is a form of theatrical performance staged in public spaces, typically with the aim of raising awareness about social issues or educating the community. In the case of sickle cell disease. A street drama was organized to increase awareness and understanding of the condition, its impact on individuals and families, and ways to manage it.
The street drama explores various aspects of sickle cell disease, including its genetic nature, symptoms, complications, and the challenges faced by individuals living with the condition. It also addresses misconceptions, stigmas, and discrimination associated with sickle cell disease, aiming to promote empathy, acceptance, and support for affected individuals. This also focuses on educating the audience about the importance of early diagnosis, proper medical care, and available treatment options for sickle cell disease. It highlights the significance of genetic counseling, as sickle cell disease is inherited, and understanding the risks associated with it can be crucial for future generations.
Adolescent Education Class Overview :
In addition, the students also monitored the Adolescent Education Class, a class for teenage students. Facilitator Sita Kumal reported that 450 girls attended the class. Adolescent Education Class which is given to teenage students. Facilitator Sita Kumal informed that 450 girls have received training in this regard.
CP Nepal has been conducting various programs related to sickle cell in Garhwa, Rapti and Rajpur Rural Municipality of Dang district for the past seven years with the help of British University of Columbia. Apart from this, programs on adolescent education and pain management are also being conducted.
Conclusion:
All the activities were very fruitful. CP Nepal has been actively working towards addressing the issue of sickle cell anemia in Gadhawa, Rapti, and Rajpur Rural Municipality of Dang District for the past 7 years. With the support of the University of British Columbia, CP Nepal has been able to implement various programs and initiatives aimed at creating awareness about sickle cell anemia, providing education to adolescents, and managing pain associated with the disease.