Minister Paudel Highlights Nepal’s Public Health Achievements at World Health Assembly

Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel shared Nepal’s notable progress in reducing maternal and child mortality and eradicating polio while addressing the 78th World Health Assembly currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, Minister Paudel emphasized Nepal’s expanded vaccine coverage and improved access to basic healthcare services as key pillars of its public health success. He called for stronger global cooperation, enhanced resources, and greater prioritization to ensure universal healthcare access.

Highlighting Nepal’s community-based health initiatives, he praised the mobilization of female community health volunteers and the implementation of school health programs across the country. He also spoke about government-led measures to curb the use of tobacco and tobacco products.

The Minister briefed the global forum on Nepal’s ongoing health insurance scheme, the country’s focus on preventive care, and advancements in digital health and pandemic preparedness. He also raised pressing concerns about global health trends, such as aging populations, declining birth rates, increased internal migration, and the rising burden of non-communicable and mental health conditions.

Addressing the growing impact of climate change on public health, Minister Paudel drew attention to Nepal’s vulnerabilities and highlighted the outcomes of the recent ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’—a government-led global dialogue that spotlighted the challenges faced by climate-affected communities. He announced that Nepal will soon host an international conference focused on climate and health.