The Global Health Committee of NRNA ICC has demonstrated its commitment to improving health outcomes for Nepalese around the world through innovative and collaborative approaches. Its accomplishments have not only supported healthcare professionals but also enhanced the quality of care available to thousands of Nepalese, particularly those in vulnerable migrant communities. These efforts have helped foster greater awareness, collaboration, and long-term solutions to critical health challenges facing Nepali communities globally.
The conference was held under the theme “Mental Health for All through Strengthened Health Care Delivery System.” It featured a variety of scientific presentations, workshops, symposiums, training sessions, panel discussions, as well as a Walk and Run event and a health screening session. This gathering brought together professionals to share expertise and discuss ways to improve mental health care delivery for Nepali communities globally.
This pioneering event highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration among healthcare professionals of Nepali origin in the Americas. The city of Irving recognized the event’s value and officially proclaimed May 27 as Nepal Health Day. This regional conference underscored the importance of health partnerships and acknowledged the significant presence of over 2,500 Nepali doctors, 5,000 Nepali nurses, and thousands of other health professionals in the Americas.
The Tokyo conference was another highly successful event, with over 50 programs and 30 scientific presentations. A key outcome of the event was a 20-point declaration that addressed the root causes of ill health among migrants and offered solutions to improve their overall health. Among the major concerns discussed were the increasing rate of suicides among Nepali migrants and the socio-economic impacts this trend has on families and communities.
The Global Health Committee played a key role in organizing and supporting 10 health camps in various parts of Nepal and internationally. Two standout examples include:
Over 30 virtual seminars and webinars were conducted, addressing a broad range of health issues. Topics included:
These webinars helped spread awareness and offered practical guidance on addressing health challenges in diverse settings.
The committee developed numerous guidelines aimed at improving the overall health of Nepalese worldwide and enhancing the practices of healthcare professionals. These guidelines focused on improving service delivery and the well-being of migrant communities, as well as promoting best practices for doctors and nurses working in various healthcare environments.
A health camp has been organized in the earthquake-affected Rimna Rural Municipality of Jajarkot. Over 200 individuals received health check-ups worth 2 lakhs 61 thansand at the camp run by the World Health Committee under NRNA. Essential health supplies were distributed to earthquake victims to prevent potential illnesses, and the team provided health assessments, medication distribution, and mental health counseling. A team of doctors and health workers traveled from Kathmandu to Jajarkot to deliver these health services.
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has contributed health safety materials worth NPR 100,000 to the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Kaski. NRNA President Rabina Thapa, Secretary Tika Gurung, and Treasurer Amrita Thapa presented 9,000 masks and 50 COVID-19 kits to FNJ Kaski President Bimala Bhandari during a ceremonial event.Furthermore, they pledged to assist in establishing a library within the FNJ Kaski building, reinforcing their dedication to community development.
Pokhara Rest Room Project, a collaboration between the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and Pokhara Metropolitan City, aims to improve public hygiene by constructing a Smart Rest Room at Mahendra Pul. Launched with an agreement on January 4, 2023, the project has a budget of NPR 1 crore, with NRNA covering 60% of the costs (60 lakhs). The project was completed and officially handed over on October 13, 2023, showcasing successful international cooperation.
The Gaighat Mobile Toilet Project was successfully completed with an investment of NRs. 280,000. This project was a collaborative effort with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) National Coordination Council (NCC) Canada. The initiative aimed to provide accessible and hygienic sanitation facilities to the residents and visitors of Gaighat, addressing a critical need for public health and cleanliness. It was haned over on January 4, 2023.
The Hemja Mobile Toilet Project, completed on January 4, 2023, was executed in partnership with NRNA NCC Japan, with an investment of NRs. 2 lakhs 50 thousand. This initiative aimed to enhance public sanitation by providing mobile toilet facilities, significantly contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The project’s impact lies in its ability to improve hygiene standards and promote a healthier environment for residents.
The pandemic COVID-19 has significantly impacted the mental/psychosocial health across the globe. The pandemic-induced lockdowns, job loss, wage loss, social isolation-induced trauma and lack of moral support caused despair, anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, alcoholism and use of drugs in many migrant workers. Nepali migrant workers globally faced these kinds of COVID-19 impacts, with some of them being pushed to take decision of suicide. The NRNA-ILO Joint Project stepped up efforts of telemedicines and referrals to consultants. It also conducted an Interactive Suicide Prevention First Responder Training, recognizing the increasing number of possible suicides.
The tele-medicine service started from 15 February, 2021 formally and was shared via social media. A total of 38 Nepali migrant workers (29 males and 9 females) were identified from Danphe Care’s Tele Triaging in different CoDs and they were referred to medical consultants. Most of the cases included mental health, orthopedic, general illness, neurology, and some minor problems as ENT and dermatological problems. Many of the cases were directly or indirectly related to occupational health.
Various health camps and awareness programs were conducted in Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia starting from October 2021. Some campaigns aimed for basic health check-ups to maintain the 14 health of Nepali migrant workers residing in those destinations; whereas some others aimed to raise awareness about the global pandemic.
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