Superstitious beliefs are so deep-rooted among locals of Goganeghari village in Gogane-6 in Makawanpur district that they do not want to use contraceptives, saying that this goes against their culture and tradition.

Majority of women in the remote village have at least six children.

“Some even have 11 children; it’s because they consider using family planning methods is against their religious beliefs,” said Auxiliary Health Worker (AHW) Shankar KC of Gogane Health Post.

There is a sizable population of Tamang people in the village. None of the villagers are using contraceptives in the ward.

Seventy-five-year-old Som Bahadur Thing said they will not be able to offer prayers if they use family planning methods. “Our culture will collapse if we use contraceptives,” he said.

There are around 70 households in the ward. What makes the matter worse is the trend of child marriage is still rampant in the area and majority of villagers are illiterate.

Sukaman Thing, 18, another local, said villagers might exclude those who adopt family planning methods. Sukaman has four children and his wife is pregnant again.

Pregnant women also do not go to health facilities, and almost all of them give birth at home, which poses the risk of complications.

Although a birthing centre was established at Chaukitar health post a year and a half ago, none of pregnant women has visited the facility till date, said AHW KC.

There is also an urgent need of sensitization regarding sanitation. Majority of households here do not have toilets.