by David Purnell, National Director, World Vision Nepal 

One month ago, a young child living in the remote mountainous district of Jumla became sick with acute diarrhea disease. Her mother didn’t know what to do as her condition worsened. Many young children in Nepal die from this preventable cause.

However, her 15-year-old sister Jayanti was close by and gave three doses of a sugar/salt mixture to rehydrate her young sister who made a full recovery.

Jayanti said “I was so happy to be able to help my sister when she was very sick and see her become better again.”

Jayanti is a 9th grade student at the local high school in Lasi village, five hours walk from Jumla town and far from any hospital. She learnt about how to treat dehydration through World Vision’s “Little Doctor” program.

Life is very difficult in Lasi - malnutrition rates are as high as 70% and there are chronic health issues impacting children.

Jayanti and 35 other students have two or three “Little Doctor” meetings a week. They’ve learned about diseases and infections, sanitation, oral rehydration, personal hygiene, parasite control, reproductive health and first aid.

Hari Nepali, who teaches the eager class, works for local NGO, Center for Alpine Integrated Development (CAID). He received training and materials from World Vision to make the lessons relevant and interesting to a young audience.

Last week Jayanti’s young cousin fell off the roof and injured his leg. Jayanti was able to provide immediate treatment and then stabilize the limb before her cousin was taken for further medical care.

Jayanti told us, “When he fell I knew that I should bandage the wound and then make his leg straight before we took him to the health center.”

As a result of the instruction Jayanti also looks after herself. She takes deworming medicine, practices and talks about good hygiene, and is keen to delay marriage. (The average age of marriage in this area is between 15 and 16 years old).

In addition, Jayanti is keen to share information with others. Jayanti said, “I like to share what I learn in the little doctor classes with my friends and family members. That way we can learn and benefit together.”

The Little Doctor program is part of a comprehensive Community Health Service Project in Dillichour VDC. Other components include promoting good health, improving access to water and sanitation, providing pre-school, primary and secondary education, plus mothers’ groups to encourage improvements in family income. The project is supported by private donors in Hong Kong and Australia.