Insights from Morang, Biratnagar, Nepal: November 2020

Climate change and the environment determinants of violence and mental distress in fragile contexts: Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Nepal

This blog is the fourth of a roughly monthly sharing of insights from the experiences of ‘Displacement narrators’ who work with our project team to tell us about major changes and events in the community context. They give voice to community concerns from around Biratnagar Municipality in Nepal, reflecting and reporting on environmental factors, events arising in the community and issues of emotional wellbeing and how these various changes contribute positively and negatively to women’s experience of violence.  Whilst the experiences shared are often harrowing, we hope that those receiving this newsletter will find the contents useful in shaping their project activities and policy thinking.

Professor Tamsin Bradley, University of Portsmouth

Key issues among communities

Following the lockdowns from April to May, and August to September, the Covid-19 pandemic is more under control, and number of cases is declining and activities are getting back closer to normal. However, people in Morang are realising that this virus is likely to continue to cause problems in years to come. As in previous months alcohol consumption, playing cards and gambling continue to cause problems

Environmental conditions

The weather has generally improved, but people living in crowded communities are remaining cautious and disposing of waters according to the guidance provided by metropolitan authorities. An estimated 80% of the paddy is now ripening and markets are reopening.

COVID situation

The lockdown is still in effect and continues to impact people from all backgrounds though there is an improvement in the situation. However, in homes and local markets, people are becoming less likely to follow social distancing rules but are wearing masks when they go outside.  Some political leaders have tested positive in Ward No.19 and are home quarantining and their health condition is improving.  Isolation wards have been created and around 350 people are in these wards.

The narrator notes that:

“Despite all these problems, a slight positive change in the psychology of people has been seen. A Subedi family of Biratnagar metropolitan ward no.8 helped the government by making their own house an isolation place for those affected by the virus. A few days ago, one of their family members tested positive for Coronavirus. After the result was confirmed, the patient was brought back to the house and was isolated there”

Essential stores such as food shops and pharmacies are now open as well as ATM services, though many people can’t access such services.  Many in the community (an estimated 60%) think that using hot water, basil and turmeric can be a cure for Covid-19 so there is a big need for people to understand that if there are complications they should consult doctors immediately.

Mental health and wellbeing

The ongoing news about the pandemic continues to cause anxiety, and some behavioural changes such as using two wallets to keep cash from different sources, have been noted. No specific mental health issues have been observed this month.

In terms of wellbeing, a range of services are being provided including free medicine distribution after Covid treatment, support for new mothers and pregnant women, vaccines for newborn babies and toddlers, and awareness programmes related to cleanliness.  One narrator notes that there has been a lack of vaccines for newborn babies at health posts, and this means new mothers are having to make long journeys to get their babies vaccinated.

Gender issues and incidents of violence this month

Many women are stuck in their homes and unemployed due to the ongoing lockdown. Gender discrimination and inequality have increased a lot and the source of income in the family is only from the male and this is also not a regular income as there are fewer jobs.  Some women are working to gain some income to run the household, despite also having to do regular housework, but as the narrator reports this can create new challenges:

“A group of 3 women who are waste collectors is frequently interrogated on why they are coming to work even in the lockdown situation without following the lockdown rules. They have mouths to feed and even though they have a high fear of covid they are coming and working. Sometimes they are also treated as carriers of infection by people who scold them”.

Support received from the government and other agencies

The Rotary Club in Biratnagar has supported hospitals and local government with mask distribution, and the local government also decided to give an allowance to those who are working on the frontline as a form of appreciation. It has not been confirmed whether this has been implemented yet.

Despite the increases in job losses and unemployment, no support from the government or other organisations has been noted.

Key Messages / Any calls to action or recommendations

The major issues drawn to attention this month are the loss of jobs, the need for better facilities who are affected by Coronavirus, and improved reporting on cases and deaths. In the community, there is also a stigma attached to having been affected by Covid.