Webinar on “Safe Food for Health: Information and Solutions” conducted by NPHF  under Farming Health and Environment Project

Nepal Public Health Foundation recently organized a webinar as part of the “Farming Health and Environment” project, on Nepal Public Health Foundation recently organized a webinar as part of the “Farming Health and Environment” project, on ??????????? ???? ???????? ??????????? : ??????? ? ??????? ( “Safe Food for Health: Information and Solutions” ) on 21st August, 2023. The main objective of this webinar was to  discuss the negative impacts of pesticide in human health and preventive measures that should be adapted to prevent from the negative impacts of it.

This event offered a platform for experts to discuss the impact of pesticide use, suicides related to pesticides, and the regulation of highly hazardous pesticides in Nepal. The webinar commenced with an insightful presentation by Dr. Rakesh Ghimire, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Ghimire’s presentation, titled “Pesticide Use and Human Health: Pesticide Suicides in Nepal and Regulation of Highly Hazardous Pesticides”. His expertise provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the challenges Nepal faces in pesticide management and the potential solutions to mitigate these issues.

The event further gained distinction through the esteemed presence of esteemed stakeholders who contributed their perspectives to the topic. Mrs. Bidhya Hirachan Piya, CSC member and organic activist, Mr. Jyoti Bania, Chairman of the Consumer Association in Kathmandu, Mrs. Sabitri Baral, Chief, Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center, and Mr. Sailendra Shrestha, Chairman, Consumer Association in Chitwan.

Hence this webinar fostered a rich exchange of ideas, cultivating a comprehensive dialogue among the respective stakeholders.

( “Safe Food for Health: Information and Solutions” ) on 21st August, 2023. The main objective of this webinar was to  discuss the negative impacts of pesticide in human health and preventive measures that should be adapted to prevent from the negative impacts of it.

This event offered a platform for experts to discuss the impact of pesticide use, suicides related to pesticides, and the regulation of highly hazardous pesticides in Nepal. The webinar commenced with an insightful presentation by Dr. Rakesh Ghimire, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Ghimire’s presentation, titled “Pesticide Use and Human Health: Pesticide Suicides in Nepal and Regulation of Highly Hazardous Pesticides”. His expertise provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the challenges Nepal faces in pesticide management and the potential solutions to mitigate these issues.

The event further gained distinction through the esteemed presence of esteemed stakeholders who contributed their perspectives to the topic. Mrs. Bidhya Hirachan Piya, CSC member and organic activist, Mr. Jyoti Bania, Chairman of the Consumer Association in Kathmandu, Mrs. Sabitri Baral, Chief, Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center, and Mr. Sailendra Shrestha, Chairman, Consumer Association in Chitwan.

Hence this webinar fostered a rich exchange of ideas, cultivating a comprehensive dialogue among the respective stakeholders.

Follow-up Consultative Meeting for The Global Health Network Nepal Center

Nepal Public Health Foundation conducted a Follow-up consultative meeting for The Global Health Network Nepal Center on 8th August, 2023 at Kathmandu Nepal. The successful launch of The Global Health Network Nepal Center on 14th June, 2023, hosted by Nepal Public Health Foundation, was a significant milestone in our journey.

Dr. Sharad Raj Onta moderating the meeting

Building upon this achievement, we organized this meeting to collectively discuss the future steps necessary to achieve the objectives of TGHN Nepal Center.

Discussion among key stakeholders

The program was divided into two parts where we had a presentation by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Maskey (Lead, TGHN Nepal and Founding Chair and Executive Chief, Nepal Public Health Foundation) on TGHN Nepal Center followed by an interactive discussion session by all the key stakeholders present which was moderated by Prof. Dr. Sharad Raj Onta (Founding General Secretary, Nepal Public Health Foundation).

The primary objectives of this program was to form coordinating committee, Advisory committee and Thematic committee for TGHN Nepal Center and to discuss and develop the plan of action for the current fiscal year.

Dr. Mahesh Maskey sharing his insights

This meeting brought together key stakeholders from different areas and their expertise under the same roof. The productive discussions and shared insights during this event laid a strong foundation for the functioning of the Global Health Network Nepal Center.

Webinar and Panel Discussion organised on “Integrated Pest Management: A Small Step Towards Pesticide Minimization” 

Under the project “Farming Health and Environment,” Nepal Public Health Foundation (NPHF) organised a Webinar and Panel Discussion titled “Integrated Pest Management: A Step Towards Pesticide Minimization.” The event aimed to shed light on the principles, perspectives, and benefits of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) while exploring strategies to encourage farmers to reduce pesticide usage in vegetable farming.

IPM Facilitator and General Secretary of the National Farmers Group Federation of Nepal, Mrs. Rita Bastakoti, presenting on IPM.

The webinar commenced with a short presentation on IPM, its principles, methods, and advantages, delivered by Mrs. Rita Bastakoti, the General Secretary of the National Farmers Group Federation, Nepal, and an IPM Facilitator. Her insights set the stage for the subsequent panel discussion.

Attendees of Webinar and Panel Discussion

 

The panel consisted of diverse experts, including an IPM facilitator, commercial farmers, and representatives from the Himalayan College of Agricultural Science and Technology (HICAST) and Shree Medical and Technical College.

 

Attendees of Webinar and Panel Discussion

Participation in the event was robust, with a total of fifty-two attendees representing various backgrounds, including students, farmers, members of the National Farmers’ Group Federation Nepal, and other stakeholders. The interactive session saw participants raising pertinent questions, which were effectively addressed by the panelists.

The event was moderated and skillfully concluded by Mr. Aawash Regmi, Project Officer representing Nepal Public Health Foundation (NPHF).

 

Dr. Maskey Presentation on “The Global Health Network: Role for Promoting Research”

Dr. Mahesh K Maskey, Lead, Global Health Network (TGHN) Nepal,and Founding Chair & Executive Chief (NPHF) and  delivered a presentation on “The Global Health Network: Role for Promoting Research” during the “One-day Symposium: Strengthening responsible conduct of research in Nepal: Identifying and addressing gaps.” The symposium was jointly organized by the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Nepal (OUCRU-NP) and took place on 18th July 2022.

Dr. Maskey receiving to token of appreciation after his presentation

Dr. Maskey’s speech centered on providing a comprehensive overview of both TGHN and TGHN Asia, emphasizing their pivotal roles in advancing research initiatives globally. He commenced his presentation by shedding light on the critical 90:10 research gap that exists, underlining the pressing need to bridge this disparity. He added that The Global Health Network has been designated as a WHO collaborating center, showcasing its commitment to supporting health research in all healthcare settings. He also highlighted the global health network hub, which operates as a vast community of practice, actively connecting research organizations and networks with research teams, policymakers, and healthcare workers worldwide. Moreover, he revealed with enthusiasm that The Global Health Network Nepal center was inaugurated by the Nepal Public Health Foundation on June 14th, 2023.

Group photo after completion of the program

The center’s primary focus will revolve around enabling research systems within the healthcare sector, setting the stage for significant advancements in public health research. In addition, Dr. Maskey outlined the future steps following the launch of The Global Health Network Nepal center, demonstrating the commitment to ensure its efficient operation.  Hence, the symposium served as a platform to encourage the adoption of responsible conduct for research, national ethical principles and guidelines across various healthcare disciplines in Nepal.

14th Lecture Series: Prof. Dr. Jha’s “Journey from Medical Officer to Professor”

Nepal Public Health Foundation (NPHF) successfully organized its 14th annual lecture on June 30th, continuing its tradition since its establishment in 2010. This lecture series serves as a significant platform for professionals in the field of Public Health to come together and address common agendas. Renowned individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field have been invited to share their life experiences, thoughts, and aspirations.

Group photo after completion of the program

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Mr. Kul Chandra Gautam, and this year, the 14th lecture was given by Prof. Dr. Nilamber Jha on the topic Community Based Medical Education and Research in Public Health : “Journey from Medical Officer to Professor” As an eminent figure in the field of Public Health, Dr. Jha currently serves as a Professor at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine under the B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Additionally, he holds positions as a senate member in BPKHIS, governing council, and is a founding member of the Nepal Public Health Foundation.

Prof. Dr. Abhinav Vaidya, Board Member of NPHF delivering his vote of thanks

During his lecture, Prof. Dr. Jha shared his personal journey, starting from his educational background to his career growth, ultimately becoming a highly respected figure in the field of Public Health. He also emphasized the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to overcome them. Through his experiences, Dr. Jha provided motivation and inspiration to those embarking on their careers in Public Health.

Prof. Dr. Nilambar Jha delivering his lecture

The event was attended by the founding members, members of the Central Steering Committee, and the Board Members of the NPHF. The presence of these esteemed individuals further enhanced the significance of the lecture, fostering an environment of knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Launching of The Global Health Network  Nepal Center

The Global Health Network  Nepal Center has been launched at Nepal Public Health Foundation, Kathmandu on 14 June 2023, officially inaugurated  by Honarable Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, Vice Chairman, National Planning Commission  with  Dr.  Trudie Lang, Professor of Oxford University and   Head, The Global Health Network (TGHN). The ceremony was carried out during The Global Health Network seminar on “Building Health Research Capacity  through Networks” by Nepal Public Health Foundation (NPHF) in collaboration with Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) and TGHN Asia, and supported by WHO Nepal. The seminar was attended by about hundred research scholars and students .The key note speaker was Dr. Vasee Moorthy, Senior Advisor of Research and Development, WHO Headquarter Geneva. Other distinguished speakers Dr. Sangita Kaushal Mishra, Prof. ArunKumar Govindakarnavar  , Dr. Aliya Naheed and Mr. Manoj Bhatta representing Ministry of Health and Population, WHO, TGHN Asia  and Social Welfare Council also spoke during the inauguration ceremony. The sessions were divided into 4 and with altogether 18 national and international speakers.

Group photos after launching The Global Health Network (TGHN), Nepal

Global Health Network is a collaborative platform or network that connects individuals, organizations, and institutions working in the field of global health. It has three regional centers in Africa, Latin America and Asia It serves as a virtual space for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and resource mobilization to address global health challenges. TGHN Nepal center is the first country center to be launched in Asia, and this center in collaboration with NHRC is  expected to facilitate in building the research capacity for generating scientifically valid evidence, networking of academia, individual researchers, research institutions, government health system and communities  vital for generating scientifically valid evidence.

Participants at TGHN Seminar

Such networking is expected to play a vital role in connecting and mobilizing the global health community to work towards achieving better health outcomes for local populations.    It would  raise its voice against the unacceptable  disparity of  90:10 health research funding  gap funding for research which means 90% of fund goes to  Global North and 10%  for  Global South. The center would support in generating evidences based policy  for monitoring progress towards the health related-Sustainable Development Goals   by 2030.

Chief Guest Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, Vice Chairman, National Planning Commission delivering his speech

Vice Chairman, National Planning Commission by Honourable Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha remarked “The seminar topic is very pertinent and timely not only for Nepal but for regional and international cooperation. I am impressed by the range of ideas  deliberated and fully concur with the speakers about the importance of networking of academia, researchers and government institutions for building health research capacity.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training to the frontline healthworkers on “Prevention and Management of Health Problems due to Pesticide Exposure”

Farming, Health and Environment Nepal (FHEN) project, in collaboration with NPHF and ICOEPH/DASAM, successfully organized an 3-day Training Conducted for Frontline Health Workers on “Prevention and Management of Health Problems due to Pesticide Exposure.”

From 2nd to 4th March 2023, a comprehensive training program was organized to equip frontline health workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and manage health problems resulting from
pesticide exposure. The training aimed to address the specific challenges faced by health workers in dealing with pesticide-related issues.

The training had a total of 28 participants, primarily consisting of Auxiliary Health Workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives from health posts. Additionally, nurses from the emergency departments of
Chitwan Medical College (CMC) and College of Medical Science (CMS) also took part in the program.

The training covered a range of essential topics related to pesticide exposure and its impact on human health and the environment. The contents of the training and the respective facilitators are as follows:

  • Introduction to pesticides, including their features, types, and labeling requirements facilitated by Mrs. Srijana Bhattarai, Senior Agriculture Coordinator, FHEN
  • Modes of entry of pesticides and their effects on human health and the environment facilitated by Ms. Seema B.K, Project Officer, FHEN
  • Occupational health and safety, pesticide as a public health issue, registration, and recording of pesticide poisoning cases facilitated by Mr. Jiwan Kumar Poudyal, Assistant Professor/BPH Coordinator, Shree Medical College
  • Detection of patients with pesticide exposure facilitated by Prof. Dr. Roshan Gachhadar, Senior Lecturer, Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, CMC Hospital
  • Preventive measures to minimize pesticide exposure facilitated by Prof. Dr. Abhinav Vaidya, Project Coordinator, NPHF, and FHEN
  • Management of acute and chronic pesticide poisoning cases at primary healthcare centers
  • facilitated by Dr. Alok Pradhan, MDGP, Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, CMS
  • Case studies of pesticide poisoning, experience sharing and discussion/ Counselling exercise (To motivate patients and visitors for safe handling of pesticides) and discussion Facilitated by Dr. Samir Lama, Emergency Department, College of Medical Science (CMS)