During the COVID-19 lockdown, PHASE’s health staff are continuing to serve vulnerable, remote communities in Nepal, throughout the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Our PHASE ANMs and health staff continue to serve as a link between vulnerable communities and quality healthcare, identifying patients with health problems, counselling, diagnosing, treating, and referring patients to higher centers. During this unprecedented time, PHASE’s mission to serve and empower the vulnerable with quality healthcare is more important than ever before.
Maila, Humla– This is the story of P.S a toddler with malnourishment, and how PHASE health workers supported her to a healthy recovery. P.S, a 26 month girl, lives with her parents and elder sister in ward no. 2 of Tajakot Rural Municipality, Adikhola, Humla. On Ashoj 24, she was brought to the PHASE supported clinic in Maila with compliants of bloated abdominal distention, loss of appetite, and weakness.
Fortunately, a GP Doctor was mentoring PHASE health staff at the Maila clinic at the time. With the guidance of the GP and on examination by PHASE health staff, the child was diagnosed with Protein Malnutrition (Kwashiorker). PHASE health staff prescribed her Cotrimoxazole and counselled on preparation and feeding of Sarbottam Lito. Our PHASE health staff reassured the mother, explaining the condition, the importance of proper nutrition, and personal and food hygiene. The health staff advised the mother to seek further medical attention in a higher center.
By the time of the follow up date, P.S had improved her condition, she was no longer lethargic, but strong with a healthy appetite. The abdominal distention subsided as well. P.S’s mother shared, “Now, P.S is as normal as the other children. It has been possible only because of your treatment and referral. If we hadn’t take your advice, I don’t think she would have recovered by now.”
P.S recovered and healthy