In December 2018, we travelled to Nepal to investigate a new potential project.  We have been working with Community Service Academy Nepal (COSAN) charity ever since to promote their work on uterine prolapse and cervical cancer screening in remote regions where this would otherwise not be possible.  

Uterine prolapse affects one in four Nepalese women, and causes difficulties in walking, sitting and lifting objects. This is damaging to Nepalese women who rely on their physical strength to provide for their families, and can thus result in significant financial, social and psychological impacts through divorce, social isolation and stigma.  

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women aged 15 to 44 in Nepal, despite the fact that cervical cancer screening is cheap (only AU$6 per woman) and can save many lives. It is estimated that only 5% of women in Nepal aged 21-65 have ever had a cervical cancer screening test, compared to 55% of Australian women. COSAN aims to change these statistics, with each COSAN camp screening up to 1,200 women in two-day clinics that are conducted in the local villages.

In their 25 years, they have provided surgical assistance to over 12,5000 women all over Nepal at various stages of pelvic organ prolapse. Aside from surgical and conservative management, COSAN also provide training on prevention of uterine prolapse, cervical cancer screening, and community awareness on the impact of child marriage and women’s reproductive rights.

Over 2019/2020 COSAN has been focusing on the southern and western regions of Nepal. In 2019 Ubuntu through Health was able to donate to COSAN with funds from our Annual Fundraising Dinner. This donation was used to fund a two-day camp in a remote village in western Nepal where 800 cases of pelvic organ prolapse were identified, 26 of whom were referred for surgery.

We see the potential for an immense impact in working alongside this amazing organisation, and are excited to share with you our updates!

2022 Update

In November of 2022, three members of the Ubuntu team (Fiona, Annabelle and Sam) visited COSAN. One camp costs around $2500. In 2022 we donated $6000 to COSAN, which funded one 2-day camp and 8 to 10 surgeries! Check out our blog posts to read more about COSAN’s recent work and our experience in Nepal!

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