Feature Stories
Small Resources, Significant Impact
18 July 2006
SAPTARI — Sometimes even with limited resources it is possible to positively impact the lives of many. In the eastern region of Nepal, in the district of Saptari operates a well-frequented health facility, the Chhinnamasta Health Post. With a staff of seven, of which four are health workers, the four-room post has become an appreciated establishment able to cater for primary health care needs encompassing maternal and child health care.
On immunization day, a cue of women forms outside the building. Women, and some men, with children of all ages have gathered from both Nepal and India, which is 1.5km away across an open border. After registration, they receive a yellow immunization card which is marked by the health worker as he administers immunizations as if working on an express check-out counter. Next door, the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife is giving ante-natal check-ups and advice on contraceptives. There is little privacy, yet the appreciation of the services is evident. On a busy day, several hundred people may visit the health post.
The services of the health post were not always so much in demand. However, the Quality of Care in Sexual and Reproductive Health (QOC SRH) intervention of the last two years, supported by UNFPA through United Nations Fundation funding, has tried to empower the communities and the women in particular. Activities have focused on information and awareness-raising on reproductive rights, reproductive health issues and the quality of services community members are entitled to. Both health workers and the community members say the capacity-building has made an impact. Demand for care has risen visibly. At this health post, the most significant change seen has been the publicly voiced demand for the provision of emergency health services 24hrs a day. Health workers have not had to answer alone to this growing demand for their services. The community has grown to appreciate the provision of quality of health services to the extent that community investments are now made in support of the health post.
UNFPA's work has not been the only actor in affecting changes. Social worker Sunila Mandal has among others worked to mobilize women to extend their demands from improved health care to improved quality of life. Motivated individuals can motivate groups, within which lies a power for bigger changes. Now close to ten women's groups are active in the area, having savings schemes and income generation programs to supplement their discussion groups. The women have many ideas of how they would like to expand their work and capacity building. The women participate in the group meetings despite the knowledge that that day is one day away from working to generate food for their families. The women's dream is that their participation in such activities would be a compensated undertaking, rather than an activity for which they bear the costs privately.
Silla Ristimaki, UNFPA Programme Officer
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