VOA常速英语:Assisting Primary Health Care in Nepal

The Barhabise Primary Health Care Center in Nepal, which was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake, is the first health facility that was rebuilt with US Agency for International Development, or USAID funds.

In mid-June, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Alaina Teplitz, in partnership with Minister for Health and Population Upendra Yadav, turned over the newly reconstructed Barhabise Center to the people of Sindhupalchowk district.

This 1.8 million dollar reconstruction project was made possible due to the support of the American people.

The project — which included constructing two new buildings, renovating an existing building, and fully equipping all buildings according to Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population standards — was implemented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under a contract with the Creative Builders Concern, Ltd.

Due to the large number of patients it serves, USAID and the Ministry of Health and Population identified this health facility as a high-priority for reconstruction. The 15-bed facility provides primary healthcare services to a remote population of 112,000, including vulnerable infants and mothers suffering from high-risk pregnancies and deliveries.

Since the 2015 earthquakes, the U.S. Government invested more than 190 million dollars in Nepal's earthquake response and recovery. USAID has trained more than 15,000 engineers, contractors, architects, masons and carpenters on earthquake-resistant construction techniques and helped homeowners to rebuild over 16,000 homes using modern safety standards.

In addition, USAID is in the process of rebuilding six more health facilities to improve access to quality health services to over 229,750 earthquake-affected people.

During the handover ceremony, Ambassador Teplitz said, “For over 70 years, the United States and Nepal have shared a mutually beneficial relationship. The 2015 earthquakes caused unimaginable devastation, displacing families, destroying schools, and damaging health facilities.

“It is in difficult times like this that a helping hand means the most; and we are proud that the United States was able to demonstrate our deep friendship with the government and people of Nepal in this time of need.”