Nepal is in the last mile of its effort to eliminate malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and kala-azar. Further, dengue has emerged as a significant public health problem in Nepal in recent years, with repeated outbreaks occurring in several parts of the country.
To identify the strengths and gaps in the programme implementation of these vector-borne diseases, Nepal conducted its first-ever joint review of malaria, kala-azar, lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes, and dengue control programmes from 7-16 May 2023. This is the first integrated mission on vector-borne diseases conducted in Nepal with the support of WHO and key stakeholders.
The programme review team comprised national experts, external consultants, WHO staff from Headquarters, the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO), and WHO, Country Office for Nepal. The review team members visited the health directorates, health offices, provincial laboratories, hospitals, primary health centres, and affected communities in 17 districts across the 7 provinces.
Discussion between review experts and female community health volunteers and community members in Surkhet, Karnali Province. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
Consultations were done with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and various divisions and centres, including the Management Division and National Public Health Laboratory. In-depth thematic group discussions and consultations at different levels were also held.
Findings from the review were then presented at a debriefing meeting held on 16 May 2023, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Population, Department of Health Services, the Vector Borne Disease Research Training Centre, and provincial and other relevant stakeholders.
Experts presenting their findings during the debriefing program of the Joint Review of National Malaria, Kala-azar, Lymphatic Filariasis, and Dengue Program. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal
Hon’ble Health Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Roshan Pokhrel, delivering his remarks during the opening ceremony of the debriefing program. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal
“I would like to congratulate the whole team involved in this review mission. I hope this mission will come up with valuable strategic recommendations that will guide us in the future to accelerate elimination,” said Dr. Roshan Pokhrel, Hon’ble Health Secretary, MoHP.
Dr Vinod Bura, Acting WHO Representative to Nepal, giving his remarks during the debriefing program. Photo Credit: WHO Nepal
Dr. Vinod Bura, Acting WHO Representative of Nepal, said: “The joint review mission has been instrumental in providing valuable insights to move from disease control to elimination-oriented implementation in Nepal."
The following key recommendations were made to combat country-prioritized vector-borne diseases and achieve the elimination target effectively:
- strengthen the surveillance system by improving case detection and reporting,
- enhance skills and capacities of healthcare workers, especially at sub-national levels, to implement effective vector control measures,
- strengthen governance and programme management to ensure efficient coordination, resource allocation, and accountability,
- improve diagnostic and treatment services, ensure availability of necessary supplies, engage the private sector and implementing partners,
- enhance advocacy, risk communication, and community engagement,
- strengthen cross-border collaboration and implement robust documentation practices.