From Bergen to the Himalayas: The CCBIO Cup Joins a Medical Mission to Nepal
This April, the CCBIO cup traveled far beyond its usual surroundings—all the way to the Himalayas, accompanying CCBIO Principal Investigator Professor Daniela Elena Costea from the University of Bergen (UiB) on a remarkable health charity mission. The destination: Manang, a remote village located at 3,540 meters in the mountains of Nepal.
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The mission, which took place from April 5th to 14th, was organized by the Nordic Nepal Medical Society (NNMS) and the Nepalese Doctors Association-UK (NDA UK). It provided free dental and medical care to the local population and Tibetan Buddhist monks in nearby monasteries.
A dedicated team of 10 dentists and 14 medical doctors participated in the initiative, including three from Norway: Professor Daniela Elena Costea (UiB), Professor Dipak Sapkota (the University of Oslo, UiO), and Associate Professor Tine Merete Søland (UiO).
Kickoff with Knowledge Sharing and Equipment Donation
The mission began with a joint conference at the School of Dentistry, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University, where the team shared knowledge and experience with local medical and dental students. As part of the collaboration, a portable X-ray machine was donated to the hospital’s Community Dentistry Department. The donation, funded by generous contributions from people in Norway, was made by Prof. Sapkota on behalf of the NNMS and was gratefully received by Dr. Dilip Prjapati, Head of the department.
A Demanding Journey to Reach Remote Manang
From Kathmandu, the team embarked on a three-day journey to Manang, navigating narrow and muddy mountain roads that made transporting heavy equipment impossible. Undeterred, the team carried only portable instruments suited for dentistry, gynecology, and cardiology (including ECG and ultrasound devices). Despite flat tires and rough terrain, team morale remained high.
Opening the Camp with Blessings and Goodwill
On April 10th, the group arrived in Manang. The following morning, April 11th, began with morning prayers and blessings from the monks, marking the official opening of the health camp. The ceremony included the donation of additional medical equipment to the local health center by Dr. Sanjeep, leader of the NDA-UK and the Smiles Across Nepal charity. Dr. Dilip, the local coordinator, prepared the instruments for the first dental procedures.
For the next three days, the team provided medical and dental care to over 200 people. Services included tooth extractions, infection control, gynecological exams and basic treatments, physiotherapy, cardiac assessments, and more—critical healthcare interventions in a region where medical access is extremely limited. Many of the patients had never before seen a doctor or dentist. Some walked for hours from surrounding villages and monasteries to reach the camp.
Importantly, several patients were identified with lesions suspicious for malignancy. They received counseling about their condition and were referred to the nearest hospital for further evaluation. These early detections may prove lifesaving if followed by timely treatment.
Monks and Villagers Show Striking Health Differences
One particularly striking observation was the contrast in general health indicators—such as blood pressure, dental condition, and basic physical metrics—between monks and elderly monastery residents and villagers. The former group consistently showed better health, possibly reflecting differences in diet, stress levels, and lifestyle.
Harsh Conditions, Deep Rewards
Living conditions during the mission were harsh and austere. Nighttime temperatures dropped to -15°C, and the team slept in cold, unheated rooms, gathering around a communal fire that was lit only during mealtimes. Despite these challenges, the experience proved deeply rewarding—both professionally and personally—and left a lasting impact on all participants.
Global Health Values in Action
Although this mission was not directly tied to cancer biomarker research, it embodied the core values of CCBIO: commitment to early detection, promotion of health equity, and efforts to empower underserved populations. Whether through cutting-edge precision medicine or hands-on clinical outreach, every effort matters in the broader mission to combat cancer and improve global health.
The Norwegian team at the end of the mission—tired but joyful—jumping together in the thin Himalayan air. Grateful for the experience, proud of what was accomplished, and deeply moved by the resilience and warmth of the people they had met.
