Staying Warm - Baby winterization kit distribution

Thursday, January 7, 2016

The winter season has further deteriorate living conditions for people who lost their homes in the April 2015 earthquake.

During winter months, December to February, the snowline in Nepal drops to approximately 2,000 meters.

The maximum temperature across the affected region remains under 10 degrees Celsius during the month of January and may fall below freezing point in higher altitudes.

Lack of durable shelter is a key concern with the coming winter season.

Caption: Mala Devi, 42, from Sindhupalchowk says, “It was very important to keep my baby warm during the winter for health. The winter baby kits will ensure the good health of my baby during the winter.”

An estimated 81,000 households (400,000 people) living in high altitude areas require shelter and non-food items (NFIs) for the winterization.

According to a recent UNOCHA report, large scale reconstruction of houses, infrastructure and public services, including schools and health centers are yet to start.

A total of 765 health facilities need to be reconstructed with basic resources to be provided for essential health care services, including immunization, communicable disease management and rehabilitation of patients wounded in the disaster is needed.

Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs) also need to be retrofitted to ensure that school children are able to continue learning during the winter.

World Vision distributed 1,209 winterization kits and 626 baby winterization kits. Additionally 50 TLCs have been upgraded to meet the winterization need and medical equipment has been distributed to 5 health institution which will benefit more than 60,000 people living in their Catchment area.

The kits distribution continues, with total goal of around 4,500 households receiving them.

Caption: Rita Shrestha, 20, from Sindhupalchowk says, “My two babies now have a warm clothes to wear for this winter. The winter baby kits will protect my babies from winter illness while sheltering in the temporary iron sheet house.”