COVID-19 Relief for Dhulikhel Hospital

***Update due to COVID-19***

Unfortunately, due to the extent of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the US and abroad, all Grassroots Onsite Work (GROW) internships across all GlobeMed chapters have been canceled. We are saddened by this news and the pause on our project related to WASH and menstruation education, but we recognize the threat that we pose traveling outside the US to our partner country. However, albeit the fact that our on-site work is on an indefinite pause, this does not mean the work with our partner stops. We will continue to pursue a remote partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital and will redirect our funds towards their COVID-19 response. 100% of donations will go towards purchasing masks, gloves, and other PPE (supplies are limited) and expanding laboratory operations. Dhulikhel is currently promoting community awareness, distributing soaps and sanitizers, and screening all patients entering the hospital in response to the virus. They have also been mobilizing a COVID-19 Response Team, with eight-sub teams regarding: Communication, Production, Procurement and Store, Online Support, Rapid Response Team, Clinical Preparedness, Infection Control, and Community Engagement.

Thank you for continuing to support GlobeMed at Berkeley's goal of building strong, anti-oppressive partnerships based on health equity!

Key Fact

Only 45% of rural communities in Nepal have access to basic sanitation services and facilities, leaving the other 55% exposed to harmful water-borne illnesses. 


About the Partnership

Located on the soil of its eponymous town in Nepal, Dhulikhel Hospital’s Department of Community Programs opened its doors in 2006 to provide quality health care services to rural and disadvantaged communities across the country. At its core, the hospital strives to be a paragon of social equity, sustainable development, and innovation through excellence in service and collaboration with both the government and other stakeholders within the healthcare sphere. In addition to being a healthcare provider, Dhulikhel Hospital emphasizes community development, rigorous research, and international collaboration. All of these qualities are the foundation of a natural partnership between Dhulikhel Hospital and GlobeMed at Berkeley.


Project

Personal hygiene and access to clean water are crucial when it comes to improving the quality of life, and unfortunately, only 45% of rural areas in Nepal are assisted by these basic sanitation services. Globemed at Berkeley and Dhulikhel Hospital will be working to implement WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) programs as well as nutrition education for school-aged children in these resource denied regions. This educational training and public health intervention program will be piloted in Bolde, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal. Money raised for the program will specifically go toward funding the research staff undertaking this issue and providing related educational materials, curriculum, and equipment for the target group.


Impact

Over the course of the year, GlobeMed at Berkeley plans to be heavily engaged in launching Dhulikhel Hospital’s latest project in the eminently crucial field of water sanitation and nutrition. The intervention programs are predicted to impact approximately 700 students, parents, and teachers.  Furthermore, the educational resources will promote, sanitation and nutrition, creating a foundation for future generations to continue prioritizing these important factors within their communities and ensure the project’s overall sustainability.