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KATHMANDU, Nepal, Jan. 5, 2004 — PSI/Nepal has launched a series of health fairs to generate demand and spread the word about the Sun Quality Health (SQH) network and its 53 clinics and 120 trained providers around the Kathmandu Valley. SQH's trained providers offer affordable and reliable family planning products and services and PSI trains and monitors providers' performance to ensure high quality standards in service provision based on international best practices. SQH, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, offers a friendly atmosphere and comfortable counseling for family planning, with plans to expand into other reproductive and maternal and child health services in the future. The network works towards the Ministry of Health's objectives by strengthening the private sector's ability to contribute towards national health goals. Nepal, a country best known for Mt. Everest and the Himalayas, is one of the world's poorest countries. An estimated 40% of the population lives below the poverty line and more than a quarter of currently married women have an unmet need for family planning. A new campaign to promote SQH has recently been launched with press and radio advertisements, wall paintings, posters, leaflets and the community health fairs to raise awareness and promote the network and its services. Twelve health fairs occurring over twelve weekends around the Kathmandu Valley provide free general health check-ups as well as affordable family planning services conducted from a brightly colored SQH mobile clinic. Services including temporary contraceptive methods (Dhal condoms, Nilocon White and Sunaolo Gulaf oral contraceptives and Sangini injectables), semi-permanent methods (inter-uterine devices) and permanent methods (such as vasectomy for men and mini laparrotomy for women), are available at the health fairs. The health fairs are intended to be fun for the entire family. They feature street plays, a short drama film, games and magic shows to entertain and educate crowds on family planning issues. "By using entertainment at the health fairs, it is hoped the activities supporting the Sun Quality Health fairs will increase dialogue on important health issues within families, address some of the barriers to family planning uptake and usage and ultimately improve the health of Nepali families," says PSI Country Representative Steven Honeyman. The health fairs address a broad range of health issues which affect the lives of Nepali families, including HIV. At each event young people talk to their peers and promote responsible sexual behavior through PSI/Nepal's new "ABC's of LOVE!" campaign. — David Valentine, PSI/Nepal
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