Developing Devitar: Integrated Efforts towards Rebuilding Post Earthquake Aftermath

Initial Coordination at the Relief Site

With media reports on considerable damage of Kavrepalanchowk district due to the earthquake, HERD team initially contacted with the District Health Officer (DHO), Mr. Rajendra Prasad Shah and Public Health Nurse, Ms. Sita Gurung. From the District Health Office, we sought information regarding the damage at the health facilities and learnt that Devitar is one of the highly affected VDCs. We then coordinated with the Chief District Officer as well as Relief Coordinator at the District Development Committee Office (DDC) to conduct the relief activities in the affected areas. To provide relief aids, wards 1, 2, 3 and 9 were selected in discussion with District Relief Secretary (temporary appointment by the government for rescue and relief operations), VDC Secretary (Mr. Mahendra Rawat) and health facility in-charge (Mr. Netra Prasad Sapkota) of the damaged sub-health post.

Preparation of relief materials

HERD team then listed, purchased and packaged the required relief items. Some of the items (medical tent, reproductive health kit, baby wrapper and baby set, reproductive health bag, delivery kit, sanitary pad) were also provided as support from various organizations – UNICEF, UNFPA and FNCCI.

Distribution of Relief Materials

A team of 18 members from HERD (including staff members, medical team and volunteers) distributed the relief materials with the support from the community. Prior to the distribution, we coordinated with VDC Secretary and ward representatives to generate the list of affected households in the selected wards. Nepal Army officials also extended their helping hand in unloading and distribution.

Resuming of Health Service at Birthing Centre

As the two-storey building of the sub-health post was completely damaged due to the earthquake, health service delivery at the health facility was non-functional. UNICEF provided us with medical tent which was set up with the support of Nepal Army. A brief orientation was also provided for the health workers about safety measures and using ventilation at the camp. With the medical tent being set up, health service delivery at sub-health post has resumed benefitting the local community.

Integrated Initiation for Model Village Rebuilding

It was a great learning with the realisation that an integrated and coordinated effort of local beneficiaries, community leaders, health workers, local government bodies and development partners could be a stepping stone for model village rebuilding.