MITRA Samaj

Futuremakers: Empowering Youth through Vision Care – Completed!

MITRA Samaj, with a donation from Standard Chartered Bank Nepal, proudly announces the successful completion of Futuremakers: Empowering Youth through Vision Care in Nepal!

The project reached 5,799 individuals across six provinces—Koshi, Madhesh, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim—providing school-based eye screenings, diagnosis of vision problems, customized glasses, and referrals for advanced treatment.

A total of 1,457 children received corrective glasses, helping them see clearly, participate actively in classrooms, and gain confidence in learning. Beyond vision care, the initiative promoted equitable access to health services and supported development goals in education, health, and gender equality.

A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, parents, and community members for their support. Together, we’re not just improving eyesight—we’re empowering Nepal’s youth to see a brighter future!

Health Insurance in Focus: Findings from Lumbini & Sudurpaschim Provinces

MITRA Samaj recently conducted a GIZ-funded research project titled "Baseline Assessment Including Situational Analysis in Project Intervention Areas" to understand the status of health insurance programs in local communities.

Areas Covered:
a) Lumbini Province: Jhimruk RM, Bijaynagar RM, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City
b) Sudurpaschim Province: Panchadewal Binayak Municipality, Aalital RM, Triveni Municipality

Key Findings:
a) Low Enrollment: Only 8.33% in Sudurpaschim; overall, 29.9% of aware respondents enrolled, with 60.3% currently active.
b) Coordination Issues: Health insurance committees are inactive or absent; local government ownership is limited.
c) Awareness & Barriers: Only 34.5% aware of programs; main barriers—lack of information, low interest, and affordability.
d) Service Use & Access: 33.3% use insurance services; 45.2% face access issues; insurance covers only 7% of costs.
e) Satisfaction: Among users, satisfaction is high at 90.3%.

Conclusion: While coverage is low and challenges remain, those using the program are highly satisfied. There is a clear need for increased awareness, better coordination, and improved access to make health insurance truly inclusive for all, especially vulnerable groups.

MITRA Samaj Holds Inception Meetings on Climate-Resilient Health Systems

MITRA Samaj conducted inception meetings on May 7 and May 11, 2026, in Panchadewal Binayak Municipality, Achham, and Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City as part of its project “Establishing Climate Resilient Health System at Local Level by Adopting a Multisectoral Approach,” supported by GIZ Nepal.

The meetings focused on rationale and methodologies of climate and health vulnerability assessment, health facility resilience assessment, multisectoral coordination, data use, and evidence-based local planning. Participants shared valuable local experiences and highlighted the importance of using simple tools, local knowledge, and existing municipal systems for long-term sustainability.

The project aims to strengthen local health systems through climate and health vulnerability assessments, health facility resilience assessments, data system analysis, capacity building, and the development of localized climate and health action plans. It also supports municipalities in integrating climate and health priorities into annual plans and budgets.

Through this initiative, MITRA Samaj continues to support inclusive, evidence-based, and climate-resilient health systems at the local level.

Climate change is not only an environmental issue—it is also a serious public health concern. Its impacts are felt most by poor, marginalized, and climate-vulnerable communities.

To support stronger and more resilient local health systems, MITRA Samaj is implementing the project “Establishing Climate Resilient Health System at Local Level by Adopting a Multisectoral Approach” in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City and Panchadewal Binayak Municipality, Achham, with funding from GIZ Nepal.

The project aims to strengthen local health system resilience to climate change through an evidence-based, multisectoral, and gender-responsive approach. It is aligned with Nepal’s key policy frameworks, including the Nepal Health Sector Strategic Plan 2023–2030, the Health National Adaptation Plan 2023–2030, and the National Strategy on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion 2080 BS.
Major activities include climate and health vulnerability assessments, health facility resilience assessments, analysis of data systems such as DHIS II, EWARS, N-WASH MIS, and capacity building of municipal systems and local actors.

The project will also support municipalities in developing localized climate and health action plans and integrating them into annual plans and budgets. The model will further be promoted for wider replication through MuAN and NARMIN.

Together, we move toward climate-resilient, inclusive, and healthier communities.

New Project Launch:

MITRA Samaj, in partnership with Vision Three Sixty International Pvt. Ltd. and DevPulse, is implementing the project “Scoping, Preparation and Testing of a Package of Supplementary Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Materials under the Climate-Smart Education Systems Initiative for Nepal.”

This initiative supports the development of inclusive, practical, and climate-resilient IEC materials to help schools, local governments, and communities better prepare for and respond to climate-induced disasters such as floods, heatwaves, and extreme weather events.

Implemented under the Climate-Smart Education Systems Initiative led by Save the Children, with support from GPE, UNESCO, and UNESCO-IIEP, the project contributes to Nepal’s Comprehensive School Safety Master Plan and aims to strengthen educational continuity before, during, and after climate-related emergencies.

Through scoping, mapping, review, consultation, content development, and field testing, the project will generate evidence-based and policy-aligned materials, including resources on climate-resilient schools, inclusive materials for children with disabilities, and practical tools for school-level climate risk analysis.

MITRA Samaj is proud to contribute its research expertise, field presence, and commitment to inclusive engagement in this important initiative for building safer, more resilient, and more climate-smart education systems in Nepal.

New Project Launch: Baseline Study on Terai Dalit Communities in Saptari

MITRA Samaj is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive baseline study focused on the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of Terai Dalit communities, particularly in Tirhut Rural Municipality of Saptari District.

With support from Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF), the study aims to gather critical data on the socio-economic conditions, education status, livelihoods, and empowerment of Dalit households, helping us design targeted interventions for improving their living conditions.

MITRA Samaj is partnering with UNFPA to conduct a GBV Safehouse Audit in Nepal. This project aims to assess the coverage, accessibility, quality, and operational readiness of GBV shelters across Nepal. The findings will support improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency for GBV survivors.

This is a step forward in ensuring survivor-centered care and strengthening the national response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

🔍 Stay tuned for more updates!