By naveensanchar Online

Rautahat, Nepal – UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has established a proven model for climate-resilient maternal and newborn healthcare in Nepal, demonstrating how frontline health facilities can maintain life-saving operations during severe climate disasters.

The model was highlighted and celebrated during a policy dialogue and field visit held at the Auraiya Birthing Centre in Ishnath Municipality, Madhesh Province. The gathering brought together government representatives, healthcare providers, and community leaders to evaluate successful adaptation models and chart a roadmap for scaling climate-resilient health infrastructure across other vulnerable regions in Nepal.

During an official visit to the Auraiya Birthing Centre, Ms. Lila Pieters Yahia, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal commented: “My visit to Auraiya Birthing Centre showed me how even small, targeted investments can make a real difference in access to maternal healthcare. What struck me most was the importance of having a qualified nurse at the health post. Her presence has built trust in the community, giving rural women, including in more conservative communities, the confidence to seek care during pregnancy and after childbirth. Investing in rural health posts, qualified health workers and essential infrastructure saves lives. That is why mobilising domestic resources for maternal and primary healthcare is so important. It is an investment in women, families and communities across Nepal. “

Located in the flood-prone plains, the Auraiya Birthing Centre has been transformed into a fully functional model of climate-resilient healthcare under the Government of Japan-funded project, “Improvement of Maternal and Child Health Care Services and Adaptive Capacity in Nepal.” Implemented by UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, the facility has been upgraded with a power backup system, a medical waste management site, ventilation and cooling, water purification units, among other improvements. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative also strengthened government ownership and ensured long-term operational sustainability by formulating guidelines for the municipal Health Facility Operation and Management Committee (HFOMC), as well as developing a climate-adaptive health action plan.

Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Dr. Bashir Najeeb, UNFPA Deputy Representative in Nepal, noted: “The flash floods that struck Nepal on August 26, 2026, demonstrated the devastating speed at which climate disasters disrupt health access for pregnant women and newborns. Building disaster-ready, climate-resilient health centers-backed by localized planning and robust infrastructure, is a life saving necessity. Through the IMPACT project, supported by the Government of Japan, UNFPA is committed to partnering with all tiers of government to ensure that proven adaptation models are sustained and replicated nationwide to safeguard every mother and newborn.”

Ahead of this dialogue, UNFPA has handed over USD 100,000 worth of life-saving medical supplies and essential equipment to the Madhesh Provincial Government to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capacities. Procured through financial support from the Government of Japan, the equipment will also be distributed across five health facilities in Rautahat District to strengthen emergency obstetric and newborn care capacities.

Reaffirming local government commitment to sustaining these standards, Kaushalya Devi, Deputy Mayor of Ishnath Municipality, added: “Ensuring that pregnant women and newborns receive uninterrupted healthcare during extreme weather requires strong coordination among federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The local government is fully committed to strengthening disaster preparedness, maintaining healthcare continuity, and ensuring these facilities remain operational when our communities need them most.”

Since launching in 2025, the Japan-funded IMPACT initiative has achieved key milestones across the climate-exposed districts of Jajarkot and Rautahat:

• 20 health facilities comprehensively assessed for climate risks.

• 10 model climate-resilient health facilities established.

• 9 climate-adaptive municipal action plans developed.

The insights and evidence generated through the IMPACT initiative provide a clear, tested framework for the Government of Nepal and development partners to replicate climate-resilient health infrastructure across all disaster-prone municipalities nationwide.