The world faces many global health challenges, but crises such as natural disasters, war, and famine take a particular toll. Global support can aid survivors and strengthen recovery efforts. In times of crisis, CIGH uses the expertise and connections of its core leaders to identify and recommend effective and reputable ways to support survivors and recovery.

Support for Flood Relief in Nepal

On Aug. 26, catastrophic flash floods and mudslides struck Nepal near the border with China/Tibet following the collapse of a glacier, leaving more than 4,000 people missing. As of Sept. 22, the death toll stood at more than 1,400, and the region faces widespread displacement and destruction, with recovery costs estimated between $4-$5 billion USD. We share below opportunities to support response and recovery in Nepal, as recommended by Stanford affiliates from or working in Nepal, as well as Charity Watch.

• A group of Nepali postdocs and staff scientists at Stanford are fundraising to support relief efforts. They recommend donating to Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. For anyone wishing to learn more or get involved in relief efforts being organized by the Stanford community, please contact Shailendra Koirala at skiorala@stanford.edu.
• Direct Relief is mobilizing medical assistance in response to the disaster and is communicating with Nepal’s Ministry of Health and nonprofit partners in the country, according to Charity Watch. The organization has provided an emergency operating grant to Mountain Heart Nepal to mobilize emergency medical teams for deployment to flood-affected communities. Donate here
• All Hands and Hearts is on the ground responding to the floods and mudslides in Nuwakot, Nepal. The organization has maintained a presence in Nepal since the devastating 2015 earthquake, including work rebuilding schools in the region, according to Charity Watch. Donate here
• Mercy Corps, which has worked in Nepal since 2005, is coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian partners to determine and address the most urgent needs. Donate here

HCAN (Healthcare Association of Nepal): HCAN seeks collaboration from faculty or research groups interested in global health, respiratory disease, NCDs, primary healthcare, disaster recovery, climate and health, or implementation research. Opportunities for collaboration include programme evaluation, student engagement, healthcare-worker training, educational resources, or development of a joint proposal for an appropriate future funding opportunity. You can contact HCAN directly to explore ways to support them at info@hcan.org.np.

At present, the most urgent health needs in the flood-affected communities are focused on access to essential medicines and continuity of care rather than stand-alone screening activities. HCAN priority needs include:

• Essential medicines for chronic conditions, particularly COPD/asthma, hypertension, and diabetes
• Basic medicines and supplies for primary and acute care
• Support for outreach clinical services in affected and hard-to-reach communities
• Continuity of maternal, child, and routine primary healthcare services
• Psychosocial and mental health support for affected families
• Referral and follow-up support for patients requiring higher-level care

Best practices for financial donations

Financial donations are often a powerful way to support relief efforts. By donating to reputable organizations on the ground, you can help provide essential resources to those in need in a timely fashion.

Vetting Reputable Organizations
It’s important to verify the credibility of organizations before making donations. Look for transparency, accountability, and a proven track record of effective aid delivery. Websites such as Guidestar and Charity Navigator are excellent resources for vetting an organization’s track record, fiscal responsibility, and good standing.