Kathmandu: Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, emphasized the need for global cooperation to ensure equitable access to healthcare during his address at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
Speaking at the ongoing assembly organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), Minister Paudel stated that overcoming existing global health challenges requires innovative solutions, and highlighted the growing importance of the WHO’s role in this effort.
He welcomed the organization’s recent agreement on pandemic preparedness, stressing the need for equitable healthcare systems and robust international collaboration to effectively control future pandemics. He also called on member states to strengthen mutual cooperation to achieve global health goals.
Minister Paudel briefed the international community on Nepal’s progress in reducing maternal and child mortality rates, and in eradicating polio. He noted that Nepal has made significant strides in expanding access to vaccines and delivering basic healthcare services at all levels.
“Through the involvement of Female Community Health Volunteers and the School Health Program, we have achieved positive results,” Paudel said. He also mentioned Nepal’s recent initiatives to curb tobacco use, expressing optimism about the outcomes.
Discussing broader health policy measures, he pointed out that Nepal has implemented a health insurance program and is focusing on preventive care, pandemic preparedness, and digital health transformation.
Minister Paudel drew attention to the rising health challenges Nepal faces due to an aging population, declining birth rates, internal migration, and the increasing burden of non-communicable and mental health disorders. He urged the global community to support Nepal in addressing these emerging issues.
He also highlighted the impact of climate change on the country’s health sector. “Climate change is having a serious effect on our healthcare system,” he said, adding that Nepal has raised global awareness through the Sagarmatha (Everest) Dialogue.
Minister Paudel announced Nepal’s plan to host an international conference focused on climate and health. On the sidelines of the assembly, he is holding talks with senior health officials from various countries to explore avenues for cooperation in strengthening Nepal’s healthcare system.