August 2 – Strange Bathfellows

Today, while showering, I noticed that there was something large slowly moving about the tiny bathroom. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a hairy five-inch long spider. My initial instinct was to panic, but the door to the shower opened up into the village square, so running out into the street soapy and naked was definitely not an option. The creature ended up being pretty chill, though, so after a few moments, I grew accustomed to its lazy lounging. I took my time and finished my bath, noting that my arachnid pal (sitting comfortably in my soap dish) seemed a little thinner than most American tarantulas. I then realized how much I had grown to appreciate the presence of it and its eight-legged brothers: Sanfe is bursting with flies, and without these guys, things could get really annoying.

Though the day was quite slow (still no Rajan), we managed to meet with the current clinic coordinator of HASTI-Nepal, an NGO working in rural areas as a VTC (Voluntary Testing and Counseling). The agreement was not in writing, but we will definitely be coordinating our resources in the coming months.

July 17, 2007 – Reflections on UNICEF

We were all over town today, finalizing an agreement with MSMT (a non-profit drug procurement organization) and meeting with the director of the NCASC to discuss PMTCT training for our medical staff. In fact, Dr. Chand agreed to promote the Nyaya clinic to a full AIDS treatment center, complete with ARV (anti-retroviral) supplies and training, granted we could get approval from the District Health Officer.

In the process of running to DHL to discuss a long-term pharmaceutical delivery service, we made a quick trek through the twisted backstreets of Kathmandu. We actually got lost, but Chris asked for directions in Nepali and got us back on track within 15 minutes, right before I’d begin to panic. What a champ.

Anyways, to square off the day, we went to the UN House, where we spoke with a Maternal Health Consultant. Ms. Karmacharya was absolutely amazing and gave us some really inspiring news about the work UNICEF is already doing in Achham. For our clinic, she let us know that we could apply to get our doctor and ANMs (Assistant Nurse Midwives) training as SBAs (Skilled Birthing Attendants). In addition, we would be getting a powerful local support staff. One of UNICEF’s latest initiatives is to train all Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) in Achham district to help promote proper maternal health, assist in home births, and provide support for mother and newborn child. To that end, she showed us a pictorial manual to be published in August and distributed in the region. The booklet, though mostly composed of large diagrams and simple words, was quite comprehensive in concepts, ranging from signs of complication to explaining financial incentives for rural mothers to have in-clinic deliveries.

Having observed the UN here in Nepal for the past few days, I can now say I’m a firm supporter. The organization is doing so much work for the people who need it the most. They preserve the peace (they’re mediating the post-civil war negotiations between the Maoists and monarchists), provide health services to the weakest populations (women and children), and project the message to residents that the First World cares. Despite the fact that the UN’s efficiency is debateable, they also stand as a symbol of order and stability in these tumultuous times.

I also understand why it’s so important for the privileged to do global service. As representatives of the international community, we’re in a unique position to meet with figures in power and can do so much more for the disadvantaged countryman— just because of our background. I’ll consider it both a blessing and a responsibility.