Forty-two-year-old Ganga Lawar, a single mother from Dadatol in Badimalika Municipality, Bajura, took on the role of sole breadwinner after her husband’s passing six years ago. Back in her village, she faced the challenge of providing for her three daughters. With only 3 kaththa (0.06 acres) of marginal farmland, Ganga ventured into goat rearing to create a sustainable income.

Joining the Ekitrit Lagani farmers’ group, she began saving monthly and, with the support of INF Nepal’s Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihood Project, received training and resources for modern goat farming. Through a grant of Rs. 25,000 [USD 188], she expanded her herd from two to ten goats, investing in better goat shed materials and feed. Selling several goats, Ganga earned Rs. 60,000 [USD 450], gaining financial stability and securing funds for her daughters’ education and household needs.

With regular saving habits, Ganga has now accumulated Rs. 22,000 [USD 165] in her bank account, and her confidence has grown alongside her thriving farming venture. Today, she faces each day with newfound financial security and pride, free from the uncertainties that once held her back.

(Name changed for privacy)

The meeting served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The meeting attendees exchanged ideas on strengthening disaster preparedness efforts in Gandaki Province.

Krishna Adhikari, Executive Director of INF Nepal, welcomed the member attendees while Surya Bahadur Thapa, the Immediate Past President of DP Net Centre Committee, shared the objective of DP Net.

The DP Net Gandaki Province members included representatives from diverse organisations such as the Immediate & Past President of the DP Net Centre Committee, NGO Federation of Gandaki and Kaski, Aama Milan Kendra, INSEC Pokhara, Asal Chhimekee Nepal (ACN), and INF Nepal.

INF Nepal and ACN shared their recent experiences and lessons learned from their disaster response efforts in the aftermath of the Jajarkot Earthquake. Their insights provided valuable guidance on effective disaster response practices, contributing to the collective efforts to enhance disaster preparedness in the Gandaki region.

The meeting highlighted DP Net’s role in facilitating collaboration among organisations, including government institutions and fostering shared experiences and strategies for disaster preparedness and response.

Hari Bandhu Aryal, DRR Technical Coordinator of INF Nepal, facilitated the meeting.

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.