Helping Earthquake Victims Restore their Eye Health

1. The Problem

On 25^th April 2015 a devastating earthquake of 7.8 on Richter scale struck three districts of Kathmandu (KTM) Valley and 11 districts of mountainous and hilly areas of Nepal. Over 8,660 people are reported to have died, the number of injured has been exceeded 22, 000 and many have become disabled. Over 600,000 houses have been destroyed or are unlivable. Roads and infrastructure (government offices, health facilities, schools) are badly damaged. 

Another major earthquake of 6.8 struck on 12 May 2015 with epicenter on the border between Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk districts. As of 26 June 2015, 488 intermediate and over 4100 minor aftershocks have been reported.

Dolkha district which had already suffered heavy loss of life and property due to first earthquake was further damaged with this onslaught. Dolakha district, 180 KMs east and north of Kathmandu, has continued to suffer from after-shocks day in day out. 68 epicenters have been reported from this district next only to highest reported district of Sindhupalchowk (75 epicenters). While Sindhupalchowk has hit the global earthquake map, Dolakha is not on the radar of aid agencies. Dead bodies have been seen but due to difficulty of access are yet to be removed and to be handed over to relatives or buried (http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/05/17/top-story/over-100-bodies-lying-under-rubble-in-singati-bazaar/405337.html).  Public facilities such as schools are closed for the last one month, health facilities are working in make-shift tents. Thousands of people have been rendered homeless and living inside tents, with fear of another earthquake striking any moment. Untimely storms and rain are making a miserable life almost intolerable. Closure of schools has caused serious educational and psychological impact on students. Future of a whole generation of children is under threat.

The human eye is vulnerable to this type of disaster. People may have injury to their eyes or acquire infections following entry of hazardous substances into their eyes. Most common eye hazards are dust, concrete and metal particles, falling or shifting debris, building materials, pieces of glass, smoke and noxious or poisonous gases, chemicals (acids, bases, fuels, solvents, lime, and wet or dry cement powder), cutting or welding light and electrical arcing, thermal hazards and fires etc. Many people may have lost their eyeglasses and have not had chance or resource to get a new one.

In the aftermath of the earthquakes, concerns are raised about the transmission of infectious diseases across Nepal. Population displacement, crowding, limited quantities of safe water, inadequate hygiene and toilet facilities, and unsafe practices in handling and preparing food are all associated with disease transmission. There is a risk of an increase in communicable diseases, including diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and mosquito borne diseases, particularly when the rainy season has just started. There is an immediate need of effective public health promotion activities and intervention.

2. The Solution

Nepalese Association of Optometrists envisions a health support program in four village development committees of Dolakha district (Lamidanda, Pawati, Sahare, Kabre).   In 2012 -2013, we had worked in these village development committees by holding mobile eye health camps.  Because of our earlier work with these communities and their acute need, we feel it a moral duty to help the people of these areas by providing eye care services above other equally pressing needs. With our previous work in these communities and our relationship with the community we are better placed than others to help these communities.

3. Scope of work:

1. Organize four health camps, one in each VDC; Lamidanda, Pawati, Sahare and Kabre within one year- provide medicines or glasses to the needy people, refer cases needing surgery

2. Support families with sanitary goods ("Family sanitary pack" comprising 2 pc each of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, towel, hair oil, razor, shaving cream, sanitary pads, water purifier solution)

3.  Awareness raising program for people on the themes" Risk of Infection After Earthquake" and "Maintaining environmental/ personal Hygiene"

4. Outputs of the project

·1,200 people screened for eye health problems (300 people/ camp x 4 camps)

· 480 people provided with medicines and 240 with glasses (estimated 40% people will require a medicines and 20% will require glasses), 60 people referred for surgery

· 150 families identified to be very poor will be provided with Family sanitary pack

· 6 sets of health awareness materials developed

·  800 people with increased level of health awareness

5. Work Plan

Project Duration: One year

 

6. Implementing Organization:

Nepalese Association of Optometrists

Established in 2004, the Nepalese Association of Optometrists (NAO) is a not for profit national non government organization formed by the professionals in optometry. The association is formally registered to the chief district office of the government of Nepal. With over 100 members registered, the association has been working in the areas of primary eye health care, health promotion and rehabilitation from its beginning. Special focus has been given to people who have poor access to eye health services. Regular conduct of school screening camps and community eye camps by the association has served thousands of people restore their eye health. While health promotion activities have made another thousands of people in the rural communities aware of the health conditions that can disrupt from seeing well. The association has a wide network throughout the country through its regional representatives. Coordination and partnership with stakeholders from central to grass root level has remained the major thrust for success in projects carried out by the association so far.