KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 28
Key data and findings from three major health sector studies were shared at a programme organised by the Ministry of Health and Food Safety (MoHFS) in Kathmandu today.
The studies focused on the Burden of Disease (BoD) and Probability of Premature Death (PPD), Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) and trans fat, and Human Resources for Health (HRH). Key findings were presented to a diverse group of health sector experts for discussion, with a focus on how the findings should be further refined and pinpoint policy implications which will used to inform future action.
The studies were conducted by HERD International , under the leadership of MoHFS and with support from the British Embassy Kathmandu (BEK). The foundational analysis on population health highlighting the BoD and PPD estimates for Nepal was carried out in partnership with the Nepal chapter of the Lancet Commission on Investing in Health (Nepal CIH), hosted at the Nepal Health Economics Association (NHEA). Dr Sushil Chandra Baral and Ghanshyam Gautam from HERD International presented key findings from these three studies.
"Our next step is to incorporate feedback from experts into the reports and then make them public," said Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, Senior Health Administrator at MoHFS. "We will also examine whether there are any inaccuracies, gaps or areas in the findings that may need adjustment."
Once the reports are made public, the findings will help guide future implementation and determine what actions should be taken, he added. The studies were carried out over a five-month period in coordination with federal, provincial and local governments. During different stages of the research, the study team visited various provinces and held consultations to gather suggestions, recommendations and other inputs.
While undertaking the BoD and PPD analyses, the study team also aligns it to a One Health lens in line with global WHO standards. The research also examined health taxation, particularly issues related to SSBs, including the health risks associated with their widespread availability and consumption.
Nepal CIH, led by Prof. Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari, provided leadership for the BoD and PPD analysis, and it links with other analyses around health financing to identify a balanced path for the country towards improving health status while also improving financial risk protection.
The study team collected data from a range of sources. Secondary sources included the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, the National Population Census 2021 and other relevant datasets and documents.
MoHFS Secretary Dr Bikash Devkota and Additional Secretary Dr Shree Krishna Shrestha were also present at the programme.