I work with Rukumeli Social Development Centre in Rukum West district, partnering with One Heart Worldwide to enhance healthcare to mothers and newborns in most remote villages of the district.

In these areas, basic healthcare is hard to find. The terrain is tough, roads are often blocked by landslides, and during the rainy season, moving around can be nearly impossible. Despite these challenges, mothers still need safe places to give birth with care at quality birthing facilities, which are often difficult to find, and newborns need immediate care, which is often critical, as neonates are fragile and need immediate attention.

The Journey: Bringing Essential Supplies to Remote Villages
I want to take you on a journey, sharing my experiences about delivering essential supplies to remote health posts. Our journey often begins in Musikot Khalanga, the district headquarters, which is the main administrative center where government offices and essential services are located, and where most of the navigable roads end. Musikot Khalanga is a hub for the surrounding region, where supplies and equipment are gathered before heading into the more remote areas. Here, we gather all the necessary equipment—birthing beds, neonatal care kits, and other medical supplies—and load them into our vehicle. Each trip is a reminder of the effort it takes to make sure healthcare reaches these remote places. The roads are rough, sometimes only dirt tracks, winding through steep hills and crossing rivers. During monsoon season, the challenges grow even bigger. Landslides are common, and we often have to stop to clear the path ourselves. 

We travel for hours, sometimes days, to reach remote villages like Muru. Muru Health Post is one of the facilities we are focusing on. It used to be in poor condition, with limited equipment and no proper place for mothers to deliver safely. Thanks to our partnership with One Heart Worldwide, we are now bringing in supplies like birthing beds, neonatal care kits, and other essential medical tools to make it a proper birthing center. The journey to Muru takes us through steep mountain roads, crossing rivers on unstable bridges, and maneuvering around obstacles left by the latest landslide. The journey is exhausting, but we know what’s at stake. At the end of these difficult roads, there are mothers waiting for help—mothers who deserve a safe place to give birth, and newborns who need immediate care.

The journey to Muru Health Post is not without risks. The roads are often destroyed by heavy rainfall and landslides, making every trip a life-risking endeavor. Many times, we have to get out of the vehicle to remove rubble and mud blocking our way. Even when fear sets in, we cannot turn back. Our road is ahead of us, and there is no turning back—only forward. After hours of exhausting travel, we finally reach Muru. As soon as we arrive, we unload the supplies from the truck. We don’t just drop off the equipment; we also train the health workers, especially the nurses, on how to install the supplies, use them effectively, and maintain them regularly. It is not just about transporting equipment; it is about connecting communities to care that can save lives. Every time we make this journey, I am reminded of the strength of the people we serve and the importance of our work. The communities are isolated, but they are resilient, and they inspire us to keep going.

The Impact of Proper Facilities: Transforming Health Posts
Recently, we worked on a birthing center in Muru, one of the remote health posts. The health post was there before, but it was not enough for the needs of the mothers in our community. The building was old, the equipment was limited, and there was no proper place for mothers to give birth safely. Many women would have to travel long distances, sometimes on foot, just to reach a better-equipped facility. During emergencies, this could mean the difference between life and death.

With support from One Heart Worldwide, we upgraded the facility. We brought in proper birthing beds, and essential tools for newborn care, and made sure the building was ready to welcome mothers safely. We worked together—our team, local government, and health workers—to make sure the health post could truly serve the community.

The changes have been life-changing for the mothers here. Now, they have a place to come when it’s time to give birth. They don’t have to make dangerous journeys on rough roads or worry about not reaching help in time. The birthing center is equipped, and it is ready. The mothers come in knowing they will be safe, and that their babies will be cared for.

The Heroes Behind the Scenes: Local Health Workers
The health workers are the true heroes. They stay here, even when roads are blocked and supplies are limited. They are the ones who welcome the mothers, provide care, and handle emergencies. Our role is to make sure they have the tools they need to do their job well. We train them to use the equipment, and we work with them side by side to ensure they feel confident and supported.

When we leave, we know the tools are in good hands, and the health workers can help mothers and babies in the best way possible. Their dedication inspires us. They are the ones making sure that every mother who comes through the door is treated with respect and care, and that every newborn has the best chance at life.

A Lasting Difference: Reflecting on Our Journey
On our way back from these health posts, I often think about the difference we are making. The roads are still steep, and the challenges are still there, but we’re leaving behind something that will last. Now, mothers don’t have to travel long distances over dangerous roads to reach a hospital. They can come to a local health post and find a safe place to give birth. They can find someone who will care for them and their baby.

The community has changed too. People now have trust in the health post. They know that they can rely on it when they need help. The local health workers are skilled, the facilities are equipped, and the mothers are coming in, not just for deliveries but also for check-ups and advice. This is how real change happens—slowly, step by step, but with a lasting impact.

The Road Ahead: Continuing the Mission
Our work is not finished. Each day brings new challenges, but we keep going. We do this because we believe that every mother, no matter how far away she lives, deserves a safe birth. Every newborn deserves a chance at life. And every trip we make brings us closer to that goal.

We will continue to load our vehicles with supplies, travel those steep and dangerous roads, and work with health workers to bring hope to every corner of Rukum West. Because this work is not just about healthcare—it’s about giving people the dignity and care they deserve. And that makes every journey worth it.

All Photo: Madan Khadka