Some 28 Rotary Clubs from all over Nepal agreed Monday to make reproductive health a major focal point for their activities. Reproductive health is a major health crisis in Nepal, and a hidden epidemic, as most of the women it affects do not receive adequate medical attention. The Nepali Rotaries are following through on the worldwide agreement signed between Rotary International and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) last year. Hartmut Bauder has been elected country chair for this activity in Nepal.
According to the "Kathmandu Resolution" passed by the all-Nepal Rotary Workshop this week, the clubs pledged to undertake at least one project every year that directly influences population, environment and sustainable development, working in partnership with government agencies, NGO's and local leadership. The projects will focus on education and literacy, particularly of girls and mothers and access to health.