WHO Pledges Technical Assistance to Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population
WHO Nepal Technical Assistance
17th September 2025, Kathmandu
The recent fire that ravaged parts of the Ministry of Health and Population has left a significant void in Nepal’s health infrastructure.
WHO Nepal Technical Assistance
In a move aimed at bolstering the nation’s public health sector, the World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged crucial technical assistance to aid in the ministry’s recovery.
This decision comes as a timely response to the devastating damage, which has paralyzed key operational areas and compromised the ministry’s ability to function effectively.
A team from WHO, led by Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, the WHO Representative to Nepal, conducted an on-site inspection and met with ministry officials on Monday.
The visit was focused on assessing the extent of the damage and identifying the most pressing needs. According to sources, the fire not only destroyed sections of the building but also damaged vital computer systems and technical equipment, disrupting the flow of essential administrative and health data.
“We are currently in discussions with the ministry’s team, and we will certainly provide the required support,” Dr. Pandav stated, emphasizing WHO’s commitment to standing by Nepal during this challenging period.
This assistance is not limited to mere financial aid; it’s a comprehensive approach to helping the ministry rebuild its technical and operational capacity.
The support will encompass key areas such as data management systems, health information technology, and the restoration of communication networks.
This is particularly critical as the ministry is the central coordinating body for all health-related activities in the country, from disease surveillance to public health campaigns. The loss of infrastructure could have long-term consequences on national health programs if not addressed promptly.
This is not the first time WHO has extended a helping hand to Nepal recently. Earlier, the organization provided 35 trauma bags to Civil Service Hospital and the National Trauma Center.
These hospitals were treating individuals injured during the Gen-Z protests. Each trauma bag is a self-contained unit packed with lifesaving items, including equipment to support breathing, IV fluids, essential injections, and dressings to stop bleeding.
They also contain instruments for emergency surgeries and protective gear for health workers. This proactive measure highlights WHO’s broader role in supporting Nepal’s healthcare system in times of crisis, whether from natural disasters or civil unrest.
The swift action by WHO to provide this technical support is a testament to the strong collaborative relationship between the two entities.
The assistance is expected to help the ministry restore its operational functionality, enabling it to continue its vital work of ensuring the well-being of the Nepali population.
The focus on technical support is strategic, as it addresses the core issue of a compromised digital and logistical framework, without which modern health governance is impossible.
This partnership aims to not only help the ministry recover from the fire but also to strengthen its resilience against future adversities. The road to recovery will be long, but with this support, the ministry is well-positioned to get back on its feet and continue serving the people of Nepal.
For more: WHO Nepal Technical Assistance
