Female community health volunteer Radhika shares her first hand account of how birthing centres have transformed women's health in remote communities of Nepal.

Sitting deep in the Himalaya, the Waku Health Post provides health care to the people of the Rural Municipality of Mapya Dudhkoshi, Solukhumbu. Due to its remoteness, getting access to healthcare is difficult, sometimes meaning hours of walking for the people of the region. With the support of Action for Nepal and AHF, recent adoption of telehealth consultations in Waku is bridging the gap and getting people treated.

Nirmala is affectionately known as “Nirmala Sister” in Waku village. Born and raised in Waku, she completed her schooling and dedicated herself to community service by becoming an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife. She is now in charge of the Waku Health Post.

Bimala is the Chair of the Health Mothers’ Group in Khaptadchanna, Bajhang in West Nepal. In the past, there were rarely any meetings organised in her ward to talk about women’s health issues.