Kathmandu, November 19:

The United Nations World Food Programme and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population has begun providing food assistance and critical healthcare services to thousands of people living in some of the most remote and underdeveloped areas in mid-western Nepal.

A statement issued here today said in the past six months more than 10,000 people living in food insecure areas of Dailekh, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla and Mugu received general and reproductive healthcare services.

Food assistance during the joint activity was part of WFP’s ongoing efforts to reach 2.7 million Nepalis who are struggling to feed their families as a result of high food prices, the lingering effects of conflict, and natural disasters, the release added.

“WFP delivers food to the country’s most isolated and underserved citizens of Nepal. When we ask people in these areas what they need the most, the answer is overwhelmingly food and medical care. In partnership with UNFPA, we are able to immediately respond to their needs,” the statement quoted WFP’s country representative Richard Ragan.

The healthcare services provided in this initiative fall under UNFPA’s “Delivery of Essential and Reproductive Health, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Screening and HIV/AIDS Awareness” project. Health service providers examine, treat and carry out general check-ups, conduct minor emergency surgeries, provide services to better reproductive health and treat cases of uterine prolapse. Locals visiting the health camps also receive medicines and are provided with education about nutrition, HIV/AIDS prevention and family planning. Women, who make-up over half of the beneficiaries, have the opportunity to receive gender-based violence counselling.

This is the third year that UNFPA, MoHP and WFP have conducted joint healthcare and food distribution camps in mid-western Nepal. Approximately, 20,000 people have received food and healthcare services as a part of this collaboration.