Assistant UN Secy Gen, NPC vice-chair meet

Kathmandu, April 6

Visiting Assistant UN Secretary General and Nutrition Movement Coordinator Gerda Verburg called on Vice-Chairperson of the National Planning Commission Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha in Singha Durbar today.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues ranging from the nutrition status in Nepal, and the role of government, private sector, donor agencies, and social organisations on the promotion of nutrition and international experience.

On the occasion, Vice-Chairperson Dr Shrestha informed Assistant General Secretary Verburg that donor agencies and social organisations have played a significant role in promoting the country’s nutrition status, thanks to which nutrition status has now enhanced remarkably in the country.

The government’s role in creating awareness for nutrition programmes was also laudable, he added.

The National Planning Commission has prioritised various sustainable development agendas, including improving the country’s nutrition status, Dr Shrestha told Verburg.

In response to that, Assistant Secretary General Verburg said that Nepal has made tremendous progress in nutrition. For continuing improvement on that sector, the government needs to incorporate non-governmental organisations, the civil society, and private sectors, she added.

Educating people on their nutrition needs is important for one’s health, education, and creativity, Verburg

also said.

The meeting was also attended by National Planning Commission member Gita Bhakta Joshi, and a representative from the UNICEF.

Verburg is on a three-day visit to Nepal. During the visit, the UN assistant general secretary will be meeting with various representatives of the government sector, the non-government sector, and the private sectors.