Closer to care
In southern Nepal, a new UNICEF initiative brings hope to children and families battling non-communicable diseases
Siraha, Nepal: Twelve-year-old Seema’s life has been a series of hospital visits since she was just a few weeks old. Her father, Ramesh, recalls the uncertainty that gripped their family when Seema’s health began deteriorating.
“It started just a month and a half after she was born,” Ramesh says. “We had no idea what was wrong. She became very pale, and her stomach seemed to be hurting.”
Their search for answers took them from their hometown in Siraha District to Janakpur in the neighbouring Parsa District, where a diagnosis finally came — Seema was suffering from thalassemia.
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects our body’s ability to produce haemoglobin and healthy red blood cells.
The news was a shock, and the prescribed blood transfusions quickly became a heavy financial burden for the family.
“We went to Janakpur a few times for her transfusions, but it was so expensive,” Ramesh says. “We didn’t know what to do.”
That despair finally lifted in 2024 when they discovered the Child and Adolescent PEN-Plus Clinic at the Provincial Hospital in Siraha District, where the family was based. Seema could now receive the care she needed closer to home.
“I prefer coming here. The doctor ensures we have the blood and medicines she needs… she is doing much better now,” her father says. “The doctor has given her great care here.”
The Child and Adolescent PEN-Plus Programme at Siraha Hospital is part of a larger UNICEF initiative to strengthen health care systems and combat childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and is being implemented under the leadership of Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population and in partnership with the Kathmandu Institute of Child Health.
This integrated care delivery programme is geared at detecting, treating and preventing NCDs in at-risk children and communities, and is currently being rolled out in four referral hospitals—in Bajhang, Dailekh, Gulmi and Siraha – through dedicated child and adolescent PEN-Plus clinics.
Medical Officer at the Siraha clinic, Dr. Abhay Chandra Yadav, explains how the programme has come as a big relief for patients of NCDs – most of whom need long-term treatment and therefore, have to make frequent follow-up visits. “Previously, they had to travel far and wait in long lines for these follow-up appointments,” he says.
“Now, with the PEN-Plus clinic, they have quicker, easier access to doctors. This not only saves time but also improves their treatment plan,” he says.
Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools like echocardiograms, arterial blood gas machines, and hemoglobin electrophoresis facilities, the clinic ensures patients receive timely and accurate care.
“These tools help us diagnose conditions earlier and provide targeted interventions, which can make all the difference in managing chronic illnesses,” Dr. Abhay adds.
The clinic also addresses a critical gap in general awareness about NCDs, including methods of preventing and managing these illnesses – a gap that Dr. Abhay feels is particularly large in Madhesh Province.
“Besides treatment, we’re also focusing on raising awareness,” Dr. Abhay says. “Many NCDs are linked to a lack of knowledge and proper counselling. Through this programme, we’re working to reduce the incidence of these diseases and increase patients’ lifespans.”
For Seema, the clinic has brought stability to a life once overshadowed by uncertainty. While her journey with thalassemia continues, she now has the support and resources needed to live healthier days. “I have to come here sometimes twice, sometimes more,” Seema says softly, a shy smile lighting up her face.
UNICEF Nepal/2024/RUpadhayay
“The doctor, he looks after me very well. That's why I like it here.”
Seeing patients like Seema thrive is the ultimate reward as far as Dr. Abhay is concerned. “The response we’ve gotten has been truly incredible,” he reflects. “Being able to help them gives me immense satisfaction.”
“It’s something I couldn’t stop doing even if I tried.”
This UNICEF initiative is supported by UNICEF USA, which receives donations from Eli Lilly and Company.
UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.
