July 2025, by Gesa Gerding
The focus of FHN’s activities in Nepal is increasingly shifting toward women’s health: a few days ago, we were able to expand the menstrual cup project to another district (comparable to a federal state)! After the distribution of menstrual cups, instructions, and follow-up activities were successfully completed in Palpa, the neighboring district Dang is now next in line.
In cooperation with the Family Planning Association (FPAN), which is under the Nepali Ministry of Health and responsible for implementation on site, the team in Dang is now starting preparations for the initial phase. Expanding the menstrual cup project to other districts was the plan and wish of both FPAN and FHN. Dang is a very densely populated district, which brings different and potentially new challenges. FHN is very pleased to collaborate so effectively with local experts to enable a successful implementation. Project coordinator Dr. Malin Emgård has also contributed significantly. She will be on site again in November and will report on the latest developments in the Christmas newsletter.
The most recent trainee laboratory assistant for the health station in Thorkapa, Samjhana, whose training was co-financed by FHN, has successfully passed her second-year final exams with an excellent score of 79%. This corresponds to a solid B+ in our grading system. Samjhana is currently in her third year at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC), the major hospital in the capital Kathmandu. It is a respected university hospital, and she is enjoying her time there. She has a long commute to the university, which she travels daily by tuktuk or minibus. The journey takes about 1.5 hours one way.
We thank you all for your continuous and loyal support – on behalf of the fully trained students, Samjhana, and all women and girls in Palpa and, in the future, also in Dang!