KIT Blog

Pratima was 25 when her husband signed her up to become a Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV).

“I had no idea what that meant or how it would end up changing my life forever.”

That was 35 years ago, when Nepal’s health system was in a dire state. There were no local health posts, and people relied on ash to wash their hands. Visiting doctors would rent buildings to function as temporary health clinics.

Pratima was responsible for promoting hygiene and healthy habits in her community. She faced many challenges in those early days. Despite this, she remained determined to make a difference. 

“It was tough. When I visited people in the community to join the vaccination programs, they would run inside the house and shut their doors. But through it all, I never felt that the work of the FCHV wasn’t worth doing.”

Over the years, Pratima has seen significant changes in her community. She’s taken part in key health campaigns and taught people about important health issues. “In the past, when people got bitten by snakes or dogs, they would go to traditional healers. Pregnant women refused to visit doctors for delivery. There was this one guy who was bitten by a snake and was using cow dung to treat it. I found out about it and convinced him to go to the hospital. Luckily, he survived.”

Her work has not only improved the health of her community but also changed her own life. When Pratima’s husband got strange wounds, she used her skills to diagnose him with leprosy. Now he is taking Multi-Drug Therapy to cure him.

 As Pratima gets closer to retirement, she feels proud of what she’s done. She also wants to keep helping her community. “I will always try to help my community and encourage people to join health programs... after all, it’s for us.”

Give thanks for the difference Pratima has made for the people in her community. Pray for Pratima to continue being a change-maker, even as she nears retirement.

Pray more women will be included in community roles which help educate and promote better health care practices. Pray more people will be diagnosed with leprosy and other diseases early to avoid long-term health issues. 

You can walk alongside women like Pratima in Nepal, with a gift to the SPROUTS program.

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