Dengue Fever Medicine for Impoverished Women

Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, emerged in Nepal in the form of Dengue Fever (DF), Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Mostly dengue fever in Nepal is in the lowland region but it is also in the hilly regions. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) reports that dengue-infected individuals have been discovered in at least 76 districts this year including high-altitude regions. According to data from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, since January 2024, at least 1,432 people across 73 districts have been infected with Dengue. Kathmandu has the highest number of cases. In Nepal, monsoon season occurs during June – August. The dengue season closely follows this period with seasonal cases occurring between September and November

The majority of Nepalese poor women and children live where health services are not easily accessible, and they don’t know about infectious and communicable health problems.

This program funded by Humanist Mutual Aid Network will supply - at a 30 % discount - dengue prevention medications and care items with awareness information to poor women and children through Socio Meds Humanist Pharmacy.

Background

According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) of the Ministry of Health and Population, the highest number of new cases have been reported in the districts of Kathmandu , Lalitpur and Makwanpur .

Data on demographics was available for 23% of cases of which 76% were aged 15-59 years old, and 54% were males. As of 28 September, 38 deaths have been verified, of which males and cases aged 15 – 59 years old each accounted for 55% of reported deaths. Cases aged over 60 years old accounted for 39%  of reported deaths. The dengue menace shows no sign of going away as the deadly virus has now spread to almost all districts in Nepal. Doctors warn that no one in Nepal is safe from the risk of infection, as the mosquito spreading the virus is present all over the country. What concerns them even more is that authorities have stopped preventive measures, including search and destroy drives, which are the only effective measures for cutting down the infection.

Though the post-monsoon period is considered the dengue epidemic season, the deadly disease has become endemic in Nepal, as outbreaks are reported every month, including in the winter months. Poverty and marginalized women and children mask primary determinants of the dengue's spread, which has been supported by the evidence. mosquito density by income areas, income distribution and disease occurrence, number of  crowding, lack of access to regular  water supply, dengue distribution by deprived areas, education, access to water and sanitation, mean income, standard of living, knowledge and socioeconomic conditions, dengue knowledge and present of covers on jars and plastic buckets, socioeconomic conditions, and presence of cover of jars and plastic buckets.

Methodology

The following methodology will be adopted

List the women and children from poor area who visit Socio Meds humanist pharmacy

Focusing on the impoverished and marginalised women and children.

Provide knowledge, awareness and counseling about dengue spread and prevention.

Dengue prevention items will be provided at a 30% discount by Humanist Mutual Aid Network.

Budget

Mosquito repellent cream and spray (Odormus) — $120

Good Night silver refill Mosquito Repellent liquid - $37

Mosquito Patches - $22

Paracetamol - $33

Oral Rehydration Solution - $30

Multivitamin supplements - $66

Total $304