Key Takeaways:

• Two-year, $6M programme launched by UNFPA and WHO in Nepal
• Supported by Norwegian Embassy and Swiss SDC, covering 20 municipalities
• Focus on integrated SRHR and GBV services, institutional capacity, financing
• Builds on decade-long cooperation projects in reproductive health and GBV

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 19 The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a two-year, $6 million programme to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) services in Nepal. Supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), the programme will be implemented in 20 municipalities across Koshi, Madhesh and Sudurpaschim provinces. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of federal, provincial and local governments to provide integrated SRHR and GBV services and improve public awareness about where and how to seek support. The programme will focus on translating existing policies and legal frameworks into quality services, while supporting the government to strengthen institutional capacity, increase domestic financing and develop sustainable, nationally owned systems. The initiative builds on more than a decade of cooperation through the GBV Prevention and Response project, implemented in two phases from 2016 to 2026, and the Reproductive Health and Rights for Accelerating Impacts project, implemented from 2022 to 2025. UNFPA Country Representative Sriram Haridass said Nepal had made progress in establishing policies and frameworks on SRHR and GBV, but the challenge was ensuring that people could access quality services. Acting WHO Representative to Nepal Allison Gocotano said WHO and UNFPA would work under the leadership of the government to strengthen health system capacity, improve clinical standards and support health workers in delivering integrated care. Norwegian Embassy Head of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission Baard Hjelde said strengthened government ownership and institutional capacity were at the heart of the initiative. Swiss Embassy Chargé d'affaires a.i. Matthias Meier said Switzerland would continue supporting federal, provincial and local governments to strengthen systems and ensure essential services reached communities across Nepal.