By the end of November 2015, OHW conducted a need assessment for the district, as well as reviewed the secondary data. We set up our field office in January of this year (attached a photo), and hired a district coordinator, a training supervisor, as well as an administration coordinator. By February 1st, 2016, our program, the Network of Safety, was formally launched with the local government and the local stakeholders. So far we have installed 15 solar suitcases in existing birthing centers. This allows the local Skilled Birth Attendants to provide a safe delivery, especially during the nighttime. In addition we have have identified 9 women from respective birthing centers in the district that have been admitted to attend the 2 month training, conducted by the Nepali government within their national SBA training program. Their training will begin shortly. OHW is not only sponsoring their training, but providing them with the necessary equipment. Lastly we so far have assessed 10 birthing centers in the district that we will upgrade and equip in 2016, and in collaboration with the local Village Development Committee. Our overall target for 2016 is to fully and / or partially upgrade and equip 15 to 20 birthing centers, train 30 to 40 Skilled Birth Attendants, and train approximately 780 community outreach providers.
