The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), in collaboration with the WHO Country Office for Nepal, marked World Health Day 2026 with a national event in Kathmandu under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science. Advance One Health.”
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Commemoration of World Health Day 2026 held at the National Health Training Centre, Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/Sujan Govinda Amatya
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Honourable Minister of Health and Population Neesha Mehta delivering her remarks at the programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/Sujan Govinda Amatya
In her address, Minister Mehta emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to address zoonotic diseases, climate-related health risks, pollution and antimicrobial resistance, reaffirming Nepal’s constitutional commitment to health for all, and urged citizens to adopt responsible practices, including prudent use of antimicrobials.
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EDCD Director Dr Roshan Neupane presenting Nepal’s progress in its One Health journey at the programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/Sujan Govinda Amatya
Dr Roshan Neupane, Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, delivered a presentation on Nepal’s One Health journey, highlighting key progress made so far, while also identifying existing challenges and outlining priorities for more effectively integrating the One Health approach into national health systems.
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Director General of the Department of Health Services and Chair of the programme Dr Keshar Dhakal delivering his remarks. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/Sujan Govinda Amatya
Dr Keshav Dhakal, the Director-General of the Department of Health Services, also serving as the programme’s chair, highlighted Nepal’s ongoing efforts to operationalize the One Health approach and said that Nepal continues to prioritize the One Health approach as a key strategy for strengthening health systems through improved coordination, surveillance and multisectoral action.
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WHO Representative to Nepal a.i. Dr Allison Gocotano delivering his remarks at the programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/Sujan Govinda Amatya
Speaking at the event, Acting WHO Representative Dr Gocotano, reflected on how science-led innovations have contributed to significant public health achievements, including the reduction of maternal and child deaths, and the control and elimination of infectious and vaccine-preventable diseases. “The progress we’ve made over the past 100 years shows what is possible when we invest in science and work together. The future now depends on how well we continue to collaborate across disciplines and across borders, through the One Health approach, for the health of all life on this planet,” he said.
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Dignitaries and partners present at the programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/Sujan Govinda Amatya
World Health Day is observed annually on 7 April to raise awareness of pressing health challenges. This year’s focus on One Health reflects a growing consensus that the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems is inseparable and that collective action is essential to building resilient health systems worldwide.