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 Conversations about sexual and reproductive health is still awkward between Nepali parents and children even, in Kath­mandu. There have been tradition­al methods of information dissem­ination through television, radio, flyers, booklets and pamphlets. However, with the advent of mobile phones and social media, one of the modern ways to get correct information about sex and repro­ductive health could be through mobile applications. “Mero Lagi”, translated as “For Me” in English, is one such android mobile app that aims to provide a platform to receive and share information anonymously on sexual and repro­ductive health.

 One of the app developers Anuroop Manandhar says that apps are a better way for such informa­tion dissemination as information can be regularly updated and new information added easily. Though there already are health-related apps for physical activities and on menstrual calendars, apps on sexual and reproductive health are limited on a global level. Manand­har reasons that new technology has not been fully utilized because of “lack of understanding among health professionals and health policy makers about the tech­nology. Only IT engineers can­not make health related apps as they will not have enough knowledge on health issues.” Another reason is “slow accep­tance of technology by health professionals”.

Such apps are more required now since youth population in Nepal are having more ‘unsafe sex,’ sex without condoms and drinking before sex according to the study named “Premarital Sex Behaviors among College Youths of Kathmandu, Nepal” done in 2013. This study also found that one-fifth of college youth had premarital sex. So, information about correct sexual and reproductive health and consent while engaging in sex is paramount.

The developers wanted to create an app which provided information to youth and adolescents. So, with the support from the department of health services, this app was devel­oped by a team of medical and public health experts from Public Health Concern Trust- Nepal (phect-NEPAL). The developers also worked closely with team of John Hopkins University and NHEICC (Nepal Heath Education Information and Communication Center)

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Though this app was initial­ly intended for people between 15-24, Manandhar reveals they have received queries from married and old people too, making them real­ize that such an app is actually required for people of all ages. Launched in March 2017, this app is available in both English and Nepali. It features quizzes, myth-busters, stories corner, health center information, scientific links and informa­tion about relationships, contraceptives and sexu­ally-transmitted diseases among others.

Even though updates have been made to the app many times since its launch, there are still things that developers think would help make the app better. Rolina Dhital, who had worked as a consultant for app development on behalf of phect-NEPAL and is one of the architects of the app, says that the contents of the app can be accessed online only and sugges­tions to have access to them offline have been made by users. They have also not been able to answer the questions in the app recently due to limited human resources. But they plan to upgrade the app and keep addressing questions despite the challenges. Manandhar adds that to address these prob­lems, support from government, donors, health policy makers and health professionals is required.

He notes that not only people from urban centers but also from rural areas should be able to access services from such apps. Dhital acknowledges that more quizzes, myth-busters and updated infor­mation is required as suggested by many of its users. “We have not been able to keep up with the new updates so that needs to be improved,” she says. She also reveals that when the app was being developed, other organiza­tions such as United Nations Popu­lation Fund and GIZ had developed an app called “Khulduli” address­ing the same issue. She hopes that more such apps come up the com­ing days.

As this app had been developed through a grant and thus, could not be commercialized, she hopes that “up-coming entrepreneurs devel­op similar apps with the option of monetization so that the app is self-sustainable.” She emphasizes that the target population must be kept in mind while developing such apps.

Want to be a multi-million­aire? You would certainly be one if you give 15 correct answers in a row. With the slogan of Jaba gyaan jhalkinchha, taba bhagya talkinchha (‘When your knowledge shows, your luck improves’), the soon-to-be-broadcast show on AP1 HD Television, “Ko Bancha Crorepa­ti”, will give you this once-in-a-life­time opportunity.

After the scintillating success of singing reality show ‘Nepal Idol’ and dancing reality show ‘Boogie Woo­gie’ AP1 HD Television is starting, from the second week of Novem­ber, the Nepali version of the world famous television reality show ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’.

The show, with Coca Cola as its title sponsor, will be hosted by popular actor Rajesh Hamal. The banking sponsor is Civil Bank, with other sponsors being Hero, Indica Hair Color, Baltra Home Electron­ics, Suit That Fits, Education Park and Enchanteur. Actor Amitabh Bachchan, host of Indian version of the international franchise ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, sent a video mes­sage expressing his happiness at the show’s launch in Nepal.

Actor Hamal informed that as this is an international level show, specific criteria need to be met. He added that he will try hosting it in an original Nepali way. As he has to present for an audience with Nepali taste by adding some Nepali flavor, he said this would be both an oppor­tunity as well as a challenge. He also expressed his hope that the show would boost Nepalis unity and identity. Managing Director of Annapurna Media Network Laxmi Prasad Paudyal said that this show would not only be entertaining and knowledgeable for Nepali viewers but also offer a great chance to them to earn lucrative cash prizes.

CEO of SRBN Media, the pro­duction company of “Ko Bancha Crorepati”, Bipin Acharya, informed that the first question will be for Rs 1,000. The prize amount will keep increasing, leading to the last ques­tion worth Rs 10 million. According to him, the questions’ worth would increase in the manner: Rs 1,000, then Rs 2,000, Rs 3,000, Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 20,000, Rs 40,000, Rs 80,000 and then the prize mon­ey will keep doubling with succes­sive question leading to the last one worth Rs 10 million. There will be 14 steps to the last question and each participant will get three life-lines.

Program Director Suresh Paudel informed that the show will be broadcast every Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm. He promised that the show would be made inclu­sive with respect to age, gender and geography.

Bangladeshis got a rare taste of Nepali culture and heritage with the screen­ing of the play “Naugedi” at the BHUMIZ International Theater Festival at Panchagarh District in northern part of Bangladesh. The play won the hearts of even those who did not understand Nepali. The audience clapped at the end of every scene. Encour­aged by the positive energy of the audience, Nepali actors did really well on stage. The play showcases Nuwakot’s yearly Dupcheswor Mela and the lives surrounding it. Puru Lamsal, who penned and directed the play, says there is a belief that if you visit this Mela you will be blessed with good luck. Childless couples would be blessed with a child, couples’ love would be success­ful and those who are single would find a good life-part­ner. And the play revolves around this belief. Lamsal adds that the play also deals with the issues of untouchabil­ity and sex trafficking.

The eight-day festival from October 9-16 had fea­tured plays from Nepal, India and Bangladesh.

 Classic Mo:Mo is not just your regular mo:mo joint. Its serves delicious varieties of scrump­tious momos with no MSG, no added fats, no preservatives, no artificial coloring and no flavor enhancers.

Located on the north-west side of Narayan chaur, Naxal (RR Building), at Classic Mo:Mo customers can choose their own unique fillings and style of cooking. Besides the regular chicken and veggie options, Clas­sic offers fish, ostrich, banana and spinach fillings, to name a few, which the customers can have steamed, fried, in soup or even as “MoBurgers.”

Affordable and hygienic (all the momos are made with employees wearing gloves and with exclusive use of olive oil), Classic Mo:Mo also offers frozen takeaways so that you also have a stock of tasty momos handy for just about any occasion.

Photo by Pritam Chhetri