From Isolation to Support: Building Caring Communities in Rural Nepal

People living in poverty around the world often face illness and death without access to palliative care or effective pain relief. In 2022, as part of its mission to bring compassionate and dignified healthcare to those who need it most, EMMS International launched the Sunita project to improve access to palliative care in rural Nepal.

The recently ended project has exceeded expectations by reaching over 84,000 people with compassionate care and support. This project was made possible thanks to generous donations that were matched pound for pound by the UK government through UK Aid Match.

“As Scotland’s oldest international healthcare charity, we’re proud of the work being achieved thanks to the support of hundreds of individuals and groups. Match funding from the UK government has helped these donations reach even further to provide care in incredibly remote communities.” Dr Cathy Ratcliff, CEO of EMMS International.

In addition to providing improved clinical care to more than 14,000 patients with life-limiting illnesses, the project has helped develop caring communities by working with healthcare volunteers, schools, and community groups.

“A lack of accessible palliative care and essential pain relief doesn’t only result in avoidable health-related suffering. It causes children, especially girls, to miss out on education. It prevents people from making a dignified living and often lumbers families with significant health costs.” Says Sarah Gibson, Director of International Programmes at EMMS International.

“We all want to live within a caring society, and this project has helped make that a reality for thousands of people in western Nepal. The stigma around palliative care is ending. Teachers can better recognise and support the need of child-carers, and community groups are rallying around to support those previously isolated by sickness.”

Ramesh’s Story

Ramesh receives quality care at home, easing isolation and restoring hope.

A fall from scaffolding at age 17 changed Ramesh’s life forever. Absent doctors, delayed surgery and insufficient rehab, left him very sick and without hope. His mother, Lakshmi, is his main carer, and life at home is hard, as he relies on support from the government and well-wishers for food.

There is a growing community of care around Ramesh. Community Nurse Basnet, of EMMS partner Green Pastures Hospital, ensures both Ramesh and Lakshmi are getting the support they need. Visits to their home, up a steep slope by an uneven path, bring care and remove isolation.

Dr Dum Kumari Pun now oversees Ramesh’s care. Since his first visit to GPH, he has had access to the right support and essential medicines. The links from family through communities to well-equipped healthcare facilities build a much-needed support network. EMMS International’s Sunita project has strengthened caring communities in Nepal to support people like Ramesh and their families.

Thank you!

On behalf of EMMS International, its partners, and the thousands of people of who have been supported by this project - THANK YOU! Your support during the Every Girl Matters appeal in 2020/21 and match funding from the UK government have helped transform palliative care services in rural Nepal for years to come.