ASHA has been selected for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Reiwa 8 Fiscal Year NGO Project Grants”

ASHA has recently been selected to receive the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Reiwa 8 Fiscal Year NGO Project Grant” and will conduct a feasibility study and develop a project plan for the establishment of a maternity house in Likhu Tamakoshi Village, Lamechap District, Bagmati Province, Nepal.

In Nepal’s mountainous regions, there are many pregnant women who, despite wishing to give birth at a medical facility, are unable to reach one due to poor road conditions and limited transportation access, and are thus forced to give birth at home. Data collected by ASHA in the field confirms that while many pregnant women wish to give birth at a medical facility, some end up giving birth at home because it is difficult to travel after labor begins. To address these challenges, we are undertaking this project as a first step toward creating an environment where women can give birth with peace of mind.

◼️ Project Details

In this project, we will conduct surveys to assess local conditions and needs in preparation for establishing “Maternity Houses”—facilities where pregnant women nearing their due dates can stay near medical facilities prior to giving birth.

Specifically, we will:

• Survey the childbirth environment and access to medical care for pregnant women

• A needs assessment through interviews with expectant mothers and their families

• Discussions with local governments and medical institutions to determine the location and operational methods

Based on these efforts, we will formulate a business plan for a maternity house tailored to the local community.

We will conduct this survey in collaboration with local residents, drawing on ASHA’s experience with Community Health Worker activities in Likhu Tamakoshi Village and maternal and child health support utilizing the “ASHAConnect” medical consultation app.

◼️ Expected Outcomes

Through this survey, we aim to:

• Identify challenges regarding the childbirth environment and access to medical care in Likhu Tamakoshi Village

• Assess the need for a maternity house among pregnant women and their families

• Develop a concrete business plan for establishing a maternity house (including location, facilities, and operational structure)

• Facilitate consensus-building with local governments and medical institutions toward the establishment of a maternity house

Based on the findings from this survey, we will work toward the future establishment and operation of a maternity house. By promoting safe facility-based childbirth, we will advance the creation of a community that protects the lives of mothers and infants.

◼️ Future Plans

We will conduct on-site surveys from July 2026 to February 2027 and finalize the project plan in collaboration with local governments, medical institutions, and community residents.

Based on the survey results, we will develop concrete initiatives toward establishing maternity houses, aiming to create an environment where all mothers can give birth with peace of mind.

◼️ To Our Supporters

We are pleased to announce that we have been selected for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Reiwa 8 Fiscal Year NGO Project Grant,” enabling us to carry out this survey project toward the construction of maternity houses. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and everyone who supports this project.

In Likhu Tamakoshi Village, Nepal—where we are active—there are pregnant women who, due to the mountainous terrain, are unable to give birth at medical facilities even if they wish to. Aiming to create a community where all mothers and babies can welcome new life with peace of mind, we will carefully proceed with this survey alongside the local community, viewing it as an important step toward the future.

We will continue to share updates on our activities and the progress of the survey, and we ask for your continued warm support and encouragement.