GENEVA: Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has stressed the need for strengthened global cooperation and strategic resource allocation to ensure universal access to healthcare.
Addressing the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister Paudel highlighted the growing health challenges faced by countries and stressed that innovative and equitable solutions are crucial. He underlined the important role the World Health Organization (WHO) plays in tackling global health crises.
Welcoming the WHO-led pandemic preparedness agreement, Minister Paudel said that equitable health systems and robust global partnerships are essential for effective pandemic prevention and response. He called on member states to strengthen cooperation to achieve shared health goals.
In his address, Minister Paudel shared Nepal’s notable progress in maternal and child mortality reduction, as well as its success in eradicating polio. He noted that the country has expanded immunization coverage and strengthened primary healthcare services at all levels.
“We have seen positive outcomes through our Female Community Health Volunteers and School Health Programs,” he stated.
He also mentioned Nepal’s efforts in tobacco control and expressed confidence in its long-term benefits. Highlighting the introduction of Nepal’s health insurance scheme, the minister said the country is focusing on preventive healthcare, pandemic preparedness, and digital health systems.
Minister Poudel also drew attention to the growing impact of climate change on public health in Nepal. He pointed out the challenges posed by an ageing population, declining birth rates, internal migration, and the rising prevalence of non-communicable and mental health disorders.
“Climate change has had a serious impact on our healthcare system,” he said, noting that Nepal had raised this issue globally through the Sagarmatha Sambaad. He further announced Nepal’s plan to host an international conference on climate and health.
In addition to addressing the World Health Assembly, Minister Paudel has been engaging in bilateral discussions with senior health officials from various countries to explore avenues for cooperation and support in Nepal’s healthcare development.
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