Nepal

The Need

***Note: Full COVID-19 Vaccination is Required for Participation***

Nepal is located in a vulnerable environment, susceptible to natural disasters including the Gorkha, which was a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015. This earthquake destroyed several city and town structures, and also had catastrophic ramifications specifically in rural villages. This earthquake produced landslides that devastated rural villages.

The medical camps for the trip are designed to assist the Nepalese people who were greatly impacted by the devastating earthquake in April 2015. Because the villages you will visit are remote, they have not benefited from the aid that larger areas have seen. At the medical camps, you will treat respiratory conditions, neonatal disorders, heart disease, and diabetes. You will also help to administer vaccinations and help treat conditions related to unsanitary drinking water.

You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay properly nourished and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is education. Because many of the patients you treat will be inflicted by chronic illnesses, we will want to help them to understand the best strategies for self-care.

Our Work

International Medical Relief first traveled to Nepal after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Just in 2015 alone, IMR was able to provide five emergency disaster relief trips. After providing emergency disaster relief, we expanded our efforts towards medical clinics. Since 2020, IMR has run a total of 8 medical relief missions. Between 2015 and 2019, IMR has worked with a total of 483 staff and volunteers and have served over 10,000 patients. IMR plans to continue to provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations in order to provide sustainable health care to Nepal. 

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

Nepal is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places on Earth and is a top destination for adventure tourism. The nation is home to the world’s uppermost roads, longest walking track, sacred monasteries, stone huts, colorful rooftops, and bustling markets. Nepal boasts the highest summits in the Himalayas, which also happens to be the world’s most glorious mountain range as it contains nine of Earth’s ten tallest mountains. However, Nepal is still experiencing extreme rates of poverty and malnourishment. According to the United Nations, Nepal ranks 138th in the world in overall human development and is stated to be the least developed Asian country. 

The people of Nepal have diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, but they all share an incredible love for humanity and are the reason why International Medical Relief (IMR) continues to collaborate with the inspiring Nepalese people. For this trip, we will serve the people living in small communities close to Kathmandu. Situated in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas, the densely populated city of Kathmandu has beautiful sights, colorful buildings, and resilient people. Services are extremely limited for anyone outside of Kathmandu proper, so the clinic work that you conduct is invaluable to the Nepalese people.

Lodging/Transportation

You will stay in simple accommodations with beds provided for everyone. The accommodations, while not luxurious, are safe, clean, and the best of what this community has to offer. The guest house is the staple of trekkers in Nepal and their owners are hospitable hosts who will make you feel welcomed and cared for. Local foods will be served, including the community staple, dal bhat, consisting of rice and lentils with a variety of spices. Tibetan delicacies are everywhere as well; don’t miss the water buffalo momos and the many varieties of rice pudding!

Highlights

Your work in two of the most beautiful districts in Nepal will be the highlight of your trip but seeing the beautiful ancient Stupas, Durbar Square and doing a little shopping in Thamel is a close second.  This trip is one our most beautiful – take the time to extend your stay, if you can, and visit Tibet or take a trek! You will not have the words to describe this trip upon returning home so take a lot of photos!!

Extend Your Stay

You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Nepal’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

• Take a trek guided by the sherpa company that’s home to the first Nepalese woman to summit Annapurna IV!
• Enjoy breathtaking views of multiple peaks towering over 24,000 feet
• Participate in conservation efforts to keep trails pristine & sustainable

Get details on the itinerary and let Worldwide Navigators help make your medical relief mission into the trip of a lifetime! Contact Worldwide Navigators at travel@worldwidenavigators.com or call (970) 541-8827.