There is still little focus on preventing birth defects and caring for people with physical and mental disabilities in Nepal. Although the government has good legislation on care for people with disabilities, there are no programs to help the people. Too many children are born with disabilities (6%), these children are stigmatized, hidden by their families out of shame, and they hardly receive medical care and education and have no chance to live a full life.  Based on government figures, we estimate that there are 420.000 people with disabilities in Nepal. In Koshi province, we identified 60.000 persons with a disability.  With the introduction of DPRP in the care system of Nepal, we aim to support the government of Nepal to reach all these people and prevent disabilities and/or give them access to a full life.

The table below lists some characteristics and challenges in the current care system: