A Joint Venture of Provincial Government, Local Government and Karuna Foundation Nepal

Project Period: 2019-2027

Project Area: All 137 local governments (metropolitan city, municipalities, and rural municipalities) of Koshi Province

Key Reach and Results: 

• 78,541 persons with disabilities identified and supported
• 13,280 persons with disabilities provided with assistive devices
• 2,946 school-going children with disabilities linked to the Government Scholarship Program

Goal: To contribute to the reduction of preventable disabilities, maternal and neonatal deaths, and the development of a disability-inclusive society.

Objectives:

• Increase access to and utilization of quality maternal, newborn, and nutrition services for all.
• Improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and their families.
• Strengthen community support systems and enhance the capacity of service providers, including health institutions and local governments.

About the Program

The Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Program (DPRP), formerly known as Inspire2Care, is a flagship government-partnered program that integrates disability prevention, rehabilitation, and inclusive development into local government systems. The Koshi Provincial Government, local governments, and Karuna Foundation Nepal jointly implement the program.

DPRP aims to prevent avoidable disabilities, reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, and build disability-inclusive communities through a systems-strengthening approach. The program is implemented in accordance with the Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (Implementation) Guideline, 2019, endorsed by the Government of Koshi Province.

The program follows a phased implementation model. During the initial phase, Karuna Foundation Nepal provides technical and financial support while strengthening the capacity of local governments to lead and institutionalize the program. As implementation progresses, ownership and financing are gradually transferred to provincial and local governments, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program.

Local governments lead the implementation of disability prevention activities through their health systems, while rehabilitation and community-based support services are delivered through Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Facilitators. These trained community professionals work closely with health facilities, schools, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and local communities to identify persons with disabilities, facilitate access to services, promote inclusion, and strengthen community-based rehabilitation.