Looking beyond maternal mortality rates in maternal health interventions: lessons from Nepal

Nepal has long been hailed as a global success in reducing maternal mortality, but recent census data suggests there has been less progress than the international development agencies had estimated. This raises several questions: are Maternal Mortality Rates (MMRs) the best way to measure progress on maternal health? What are the consequences of the political pressure to demonstrate the impact of programmatic and technical interventions? In this brief Jeevan R. Sharma seeks to offer some preliminary answers

The 2015 earthquakes highlight that Nepal is not a passive recipient of aid, nor should it be treated as such

Case studies like Nepal offer the opportunity to reassess how individuals and communities affected by natural disasters can be better served by humanitarian efforts, writes Jeevan R Sharma. He argues the future of international assistance lies in developing constructive relationships with the state and effective partnerships with the local organisations who often end up leading the relief effort on the ground. This article forms part of our Nepal Earthquake Anniversary series. Read further posts here

Synergistic effect on static and dynamic mechanical properties of carbon fiber-multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrid polycarbonate composites

Carbon fiber (CF) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced hybrid micro-nanocomposites are prepared through melt mixing followed by injection moulding. The synergistic effect on both the static and dynamic mechanical properties with MWCNT/aMWCNT and CF reinforcement in a polycarbonate matrix is investigated by utilizing dynamic mechanical analysis, and flexural and tensile measurements. The enhancement in the flexural modulus and strength of the composite specimens as compared to pure PC for maximum loading of CF is 128.40% and 39.90%, respectively, which further improved to 142.94% and 42.60%, respectively, for CF-functionalized MWCNTs. Similarly, the storage modulus of the composite specimens reinforced with a maximum loading of CF and CF-functionalized MWCNTs show an increment of 176.57% and 203.33%, respectively over pure PC at 40 degrees C. Various types of parameter such as the coefficient C factor, degree of entanglement and adhesion factor have been calculated to analyze the interaction between fillers and the polymer matrix. Composite specimens containing 2 wt% of functionalized MWCNTs show a lower C value than the as-synthesized MWCNTs, which is indicative of a higher effectiveness of functionalized MWCNT-containing composite specimens. These results are well supported by optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy by confirming the distribution of reinforcement

New Forms of Development: Branding Innovative Ideas and Bidding for Foreign Aid in the Maternal and Child Health Service in Nepal

Nepal has been receiving foreign aid since the early 1950s. Currently, the country’s health care systemis heavily dependent on aid, even for the provision of basic health services to its people. Globally, the mechanismfor the dispersal of foreign aid is becoming increasingly complex. Numerous stakeholders are involved at variouslevels: donors, intermediary organisations, project-implementing partners and the beneficiaries, engaging not onlyin Nepal but also globally. To illustrate how branding and bidding occurs, and to discuss how this process hasbecome increasingly vital in securing foreign aid to run MCH activities in Nepal