Healthcare worker, Sablakhu

Health care in Kangchenjunga

Medical facilities are poor in the Kangchenjunga region. The clinic in Taplejung, three days walk from Ghunsa, offers only limited care, and the nearest hospital that performs operations is a gruelling six days walk from Talpejung.

Even if a sick person were physically able to endure being carried to Taplejung in a straw basket, the cost of the journey ($10-$20) would likely be prohibitive. As a result, most diseases run their course and the villagers accept the inevitable outcomes.

HIV/AIDS

Although the District of Taplejung is geographically isolated, it does not mean its population is safe from the spread of HIV/AIDS. In fact, the presence of a large patrol of border police and the constant trickle of traders and other groups whose homes are days or even weeks away create a large "at risk" floating male population.

To help improve healthcare for the Nepalese, KSP:

• built clinics adjoining the schools in Ghunsa [more] and Folay [more]
• conducted an HIV vaccination and health education program [more]
• installed vaccine fridges in seven Taplejung District villages [more]
• instituted a program to improve women's maternal health [more].