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Newborn Vitamin A Dosing - Generating Evidence for Scale in Nepal

Large trials in India and Bangladesh have established that dosing newborns with 50,000 IU of vitamin A within the first few days of life can reduce mortality. Based on this evidence, the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has decided to proceed with piloting Vitamin A projects in 4 districts — Banke and Nawalparasi in the southern plain area and Sindhuli and Tanahu in the hill/ mountain area. The objective of the pilot is to identify the most effective delivery mechanism for maximum coverage. A technical working group, created under the leadership of the Nutrition Section in the Child Health Division, has approved two methods of distribution — one through early postnatal visits at home by FCHVs (to be piloted in Banke and Nawalparasi), and another by antenatal dispensing and self-dosing by mother/family members (to be piloted in Tanahun and Sindhuli). NFHP II will spearhead program implementation in Banke and Sindhuli, while providing technical support to Nawalparasi and Tanahun. Led by the Director General of Health, the Technical Advisory Group has approved training materials and monitoring and evaluation methods for scale up of these programs. Training is to be initiated the last week of April 2009. Results of the pilot, expected to be available towards the end of 2010, will provide information for national scale up of the intervention.

NFHP II Partnership Celebration

Honorable Minister Mr. Giri Raj Mani Pokharel, delivering his speech.

An official event to celebrate the partnership between Ministry of Health and Population/Nepal and USAID/NFHP II was organized on December 15th, 2008 in the Department of Health Services premises in Teku, Kathmandu. The high profile event was attended by many national dignitaries.

During the ceremony, the honorable Minister of Health, Mr. Giri Raj Mani Pokharel, emphasized the importance of the US Government's support and partnership in the development of health sector in Nepal. He also thanked the American government for its valuable long-term support and for the decision to continue to support the improvement of health system of Nepal through the second phase of the Nepal Family Health Program (NFHP II).

Dr. Steve Hodgins presenting the emblem (Thanka) to Her Excellency Ms. Nancy J. Powel, US Ambassador to Nepal.

Her Excellency Ms. Nancy J. Powell, US Ambassador to Nepal, articulated her happiness as well, as she expressed her appreciation to the Nepal Family Health Program II. She also noted that NFHP II reflects the United State government's commitment to support government of Nepal's health goals and objectives.

Dr. Sudha Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Mahesh Maskey, Chief of High Level Health Advisory Committee, and Dr. Govinda Pd. Ojha, Director General, Department of Health Services also expressed their satisfaction with NFHP's effort in strengthening public health system in Nepal and expect this fruitful relationship to continue with NFHP II, long into the future.

The ceremony culminated in the signing of a document reflecting the partnership between Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal and the United States government.

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