The challenges in the province of Lumbini in southern Nepal are complex: anyone suffering from a neglected tropical disease (such as leprosy, elephantiasis, worm diseases, dengue or rabies) is not only confronted with inadequate medical care, but also experiences discrimination and exclusion. People with disabilities, whose limitations are often a consequence of untreated NTDs, are particularly affected. In addition, there is an alarmingly high maternal mortality rate - the highest in the country - due to the widespread use of home births without professional care. Regular natural disasters such as floods, landslides and fires pose further major challenges. However, outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and dengue fever claim the most lives.

Through our work, we are improving the health of around 400,000 people in 43 communities in the districts of Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupendehi and Nawalparasi in the southern Terai region. These include many mothers, children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and people affected by neglected tropical diseases.

Among other things, we ensure that even remote regions of the project area have access to health services. We do this, for example, by building birthing centers. In addition, we ensure that all health facilities are equipped as required (e.g. with medicines) and we provide the staff in the facilities with the necessary medical expertise. We also educate the population on how to recognize the first signs of NTDs themselves at an early stage and what they can do to promote their own health (e.g. through self-help and mothers' groups).

Every donation, regardless of its amount, is valuable and is used by us worldwide to improve the health of the poorest.