Community-Based Integrated COPD and NCD Screening in Flood-Affected Communities of Rasuwa, Nepal
Supported by: European Lung Foundation (ELF)
Implemented by: Health Care Association of Nepal (HCAN)
In Collaboration with: Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Peace Himalayan, Bishwas Nepal, JCYCN, and Episshikos Buddhist Foundation
Project Location: Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Rasuwa District, Nepal
Project Focus: COPD and NCD Screening, Essential Medical Care, Psychosocial Counselling, and Respiratory Health Education
Project Status: Completed
In Collaboration with: Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Peace Himalayan, Bishwas Nepal, JCYCN, and Episshikos Buddhist Foundation
Project Location: Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Rasuwa District, Nepal
Project Focus: COPD and NCD Screening, Essential Medical Care, Psychosocial Counselling, and Respiratory Health Education
Project Status: Completed
Project Overview
The Community-Based Integrated COPD and NCD Screening in Flood-Affected Communities of Rasuwa, Nepal project was implemented by the Health Care Association of Nepal (HCAN), with support from the European Lung Foundation (ELF) and in collaboration with local government and community-based partner organizations.
The initiative aimed to improve access to essential healthcare services among flood-affected and underserved populations facing geographical barriers, disrupted healthcare access, household air pollution, tobacco exposure, and increased vulnerability to chronic diseases.
The project reached approximately 400 beneficiaries, providing integrated COPD and NCD screening, medical consultations, essential medications, psychosocial counselling, respiratory health education, and referral support.
Project Objectives
The project focused on:
- Promoting COPD awareness, prevention, and early identification.
- Providing integrated screening for hypertension, diabetes, and other NCD risk factors.
- Improving access to essential medical consultations and medications.
- Providing psychosocial counselling to flood-affected individuals and families.
- Raising awareness about tobacco cessation, household air pollution, and respiratory health.
- Strengthening community engagement, early referral, and access to primary healthcare services.
Key Project Activities
1. COPD Screening and Respiratory Assessment
Community members received respiratory symptom assessments, risk-factor evaluations, and counselling on COPD prevention, early detection, and appropriate healthcare-seeking practices.
2. Integrated NCD Screening
Participants underwent blood-pressure measurement, blood-glucose testing, and clinical assessments to identify potential hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic health risks.
3. Medical Consultation and Essential Medication Support
Healthcare professionals provided individual medical consultations, treatment recommendations, essential medications, and referral guidance based on identified health needs.
4. Psychosocial Counselling
Psychosocial counselling and emotional support were provided to individuals and families experiencing disaster-related stress and other psychosocial challenges following the floods.
5. Community Health Education
Awareness activities emphasized tobacco cessation, household-air-pollution reduction, respiratory disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, and early recognition of chronic respiratory symptoms.
6. Community Collaboration
The project was conducted in collaboration with Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Peace Himalayan, Bishwas Nepal, JCYCN, and Episshikos Buddhist Foundation, supporting community mobilization, coordination, and healthcare outreach.
Project Outcomes and Impact
The initiative reached approximately 400 beneficiaries in flood-affected communities of Rasuwa, improving access to essential respiratory and primary healthcare services.
Key contributions included:
- Expanded access to community-based COPD and NCD screening.
- Provision of essential medications and medical consultations.
- Integration of psychosocial counselling into healthcare outreach.
- Increased awareness of respiratory health, tobacco-related risks, and household air pollution.
- Identification and referral of individuals requiring further medical evaluation.
- Strengthened collaboration between local government, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
Sustainability and Future Directions
The project demonstrated the importance of integrating respiratory healthcare, NCD screening, essential medical services, and psychosocial support into disaster-responsive primary healthcare.
Building on this experience, HCAN aims to strengthen community-based COPD care, expand early screening and referral services, and promote sustainable healthcare delivery in rural and disaster-vulnerable communities across Nepal.
Our Vision
Every Breath Matters. Every Community Deserves Care.
HCAN is committed to ensuring that vulnerable and underserved populations have equitable access to respiratory healthcare, essential medical services, and psychosocial support, particularly during humanitarian emergencies.
Key Project Figures
| Indicator | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Beneficiaries reached | Approximately 400 |
| Project location | Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Rasuwa |
| Target population | Flood-affected communities |
| Primary focus | COPD and NCD screening |
| Additional services | Medical care, medications, psychosocial counselling, health education, and referral |
| Supported by | European Lung Foundation (ELF) |
| Implemented by | Health Care Association of Nepal (HCAN) |
| Collaborating partners | Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Peace Himalayan, Bishwas Nepal, JCYCN, Episshikos Buddhist Foundation |
| Project status | Completed |
Project Investigator: Dr.Prajwal Bhandari
Project Site: Uttargaya Rural Municipality,Rasuwa Nepal
Current Status: Completed
Project Site: Uttargaya Rural Municipality,Rasuwa Nepal
Current Status: Completed
