Nepal: Reflections on 1st anniversary of earthquake
One year has now passed since the devastating earthquake rocked Nepal, killing 9,000, and leaving 2.8 million displaced, and in need of humanitarian assistance. Living in Nepal is tough at the best of times, and the disaster on April 25th 2015 has made life unimaginably difficult for hundreds of thousands of people. Our first doctor, Lalit, says “We are learning to cope. But in some areas nothing is back to normal, life is very difficult here.” Our trustee visit to Gourkha district in October revealed the shocking extent of the damage, with hundreds of mountain villages literally flattened by the quake. Most people were still living in tents, or in temporary shacks, and there was little sign of foreign aid. Almost everyone affected by the quake is still awaiting financial assistance from the newly formed National Reconstruction Authority to rebuild their flattened houses, and the Nepal government has been heavily criticised for its slow efforts in releasing the $4.1 billion pledged from international donors for reconstruction.
The monsoon is fast approaching and hundreds of thousands will face further challenges, with the potential for communicable disease outbreaks, caused by contaminated water sources and poor sanitation. Today not only should we remember those who lost their lives a year ago, but seize the opportunity to renew our efforts to raise funds to promote sustainable health development across Nepal.
Over the last 2 years, Doctors For Nepal has been making a unique documentary “Namaste: A Himalayan Journey.” The film explores the challenges that patient face when trying to access healthcare in Nepal, and examines the enormous impact on people’s lives following last year’s earthquake. We would like to invite you to various screenings across the UK, to mark the anniversary of the earthquake (see below for dates and bookings).
All funds raised will go towards sustainable healthcare, from rebuilding destroyed health posts (via collaboration with PHASE-worldwide) to the ongoing training of our 7 students and doctors in Nepal. This year we will be launching our new DFN nursing scholarships, to widen our work across the mountains of Nepal. Your help couldn’t be needed more, so please do consider making a donation, or setting up a regular standing order to help Nepal get back on its feet.
Thank you.
Dr Kate Yarrow
Chairman and Founder
Doctors For Nepal
LEWES SCREENING 
MONDAY 25th April 2016 (exactly 1 year after the earthquake)
Doors: 7.15pm
Film: 8.00pm
Q&A: 9.00pm
Venue: St John sub Castro Church, Abinger Place, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2QA
Tickets: £8
Nepalese gift stall | Raffle | Soft drinks bar only so have a drink in Lewes beforehand, or join us at the Lewes Arms after the event.
LONDON SCREENING 1 TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON
WEDNESDAY 26th MAY 2016
Doors: 6.45pm
Film: 7.30pm
Q&A: 8.30pm
Venue: Lost Theatre Stockwell, 208 Wandsworth Road, London Sw8 2JU
Tickets: £12
Nepalese gift stall | Raffle | Bar
LONDON SCREENING 2
SATURDAY 28th MAY 2016
Doors: 6.45pm
Film: 7.30pm
Q&A: 8.30pm
Venue: Lost Theatre Stockwell, 208 Wandsworth Road, London Sw8 2JU
Tickets: £12
Nepalese gift stall | Raffle | Bar
BIRMIMGHAM SCREENING
FRIDAY 3rd June 2016
Doors: 7.15pm
Film: 8.00pm
Q&A: 9.00pm
Venue: Birmingham City University, Parkside Lecture Theatre, 5 Cardigan Street, Birmingham B4 7BD
Tickets: £8
Nepalese gift stall | Raffle | Bar
Information and ticket queries for ALL screenings call 07768 980960.
More screenings planned for Manchester and Bristol – watch this space.