– Mayors, deputy mayors, elected officials, and government representatives collaborated to develop a roadmap for ensuring safe motherhood. This plan aimed to establish well-equipped birthing centers with skilled personnel, discourage child marriage practices, and promote complete antenatal and postnatal care in alignment with government protocols.
– During a meeting of the provincial health and nutrition cluster coordination, the reproductive health sub-cluster decided to achieve 100% Typhoid Vaccination coverage. They also discussed the management of near-expiry Covid vaccines and materials supported by External Development Partners (EDPs) in hospitals. Furthermore, they proposed setting indicators for safe motherhood and nutrition to support the provincial government’s declaration of a safe motherhood and malnutrition-free province.
– In a meeting of the Provincial Supply Chain Management Technical Working Group, it was decided to send a letter to the Ministry of Social Development regarding Covid-19 Vaccine distribution. They also emphasized the proper management of the data entry system in the e-LMIS (logistic management information system) to meet national vaccination goals. Additionally, they planned to train store focal persons in all districts to handle stock management through the e-LMIS system. They discussed the distribution of IEC (information, education, communication) materials from USAID to health offices and birthing centers to ensure proper temperature control for Oxytocin. The third meeting aimed to conduct focus group discussions on mental health within the nutrition group, continue digital family folder activities in specific areas, motivate low-performing palikas in Covid vaccination, and ensure the functionality of emergency medical teams by sending letters to the respective palikas.
– A technical team was established through a thematic group meeting of the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth. They decided to organize weekly virtual meetings and monthly physical meetings for the GBV thematic group. Additionally, they planned to update the referral mechanism tool and GBV control guidelines.
– Godaita and Gujara palikas committed to co-finance the zero-home delivery campaign to attain the status of a safe motherhood palika.
The GESI policy was entrusted to the Mayor of Kaudena rural municipalities and the deputy mayor of Gujara municipality. They pledged to discuss and endorse the GESI policy through municipal assembly after raising awareness among the palika’s executive boards. Ongoing follow-up is necessary for endorsement and implementation.
– The Rautahat One-stop Crisis Management Centre (OCMC) committed to funding an orientation program on the GBV referral mechanism for ward executive members in palikas to enhance its effectiveness.
– Engaging with local policymakers, healthcare providers, and community health advocates facilitated stronger adoption of five modern family planning methods in communities. The program also helped identify underserved populations and shed light on the marginalized communities’ status regarding FP/RH services, including single women, impoverished families, Dalits, Muslims, people with disabilities, and LGBTIQ individuals.
– A thematic group meeting agreed to compile a roster of GBV resource persons in the Madhesh province and make it accessible to relevant agencies and authorities for future training and orientation sessions. The meeting also aimed to finalize the GBV prevention guidelines drafted by MoWYCS and provide updates on programs for Children’s Day and World Suicide Prevention Day, inviting successful participation. Thematic group members were also briefed on the referral process and case management guidelines, along with the strategic plan against child marriage.
– In an RH/FP review and planning workshop, local elected representatives from priority palikas agreed to prioritize health, particularly RH/FP programs, in the upcoming annual work plan and budget. They also committed to filling vacant nursing staff positions through the Public Service Commission in coordination with provincial authorities. The plan included operationalizing and functionalizing five modern FP services, starting with birthing centers and gradually extending them to other health facilities. Some palikas were ready to activate BEmONC (Basic emergency obstetric and newborn care) sites, having allocated budgets for this purpose in the current fiscal year. They also regularized meetings of the health facility operation and management committee.
– The executive members of local government gained knowledge on utilizing census data for evidence-based decision-making in the local planning and budgeting process.