To contribute to reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases in Nepal in the context of climate change

Duration

2022-2026

Lead institutions

Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM)

Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC)

B.P. Koirala Insitute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS)

Academic partners

Kristien Cloots (ITM)

Meghnath Dhimal (NHRC)

Surendra Uranw (BPKIHS)

Project status

Ongoing

General objective

This programme aims to reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases (VBD) for all people in Nepal, with a particular focus on mitigating the expected rise in VBD cases in the coming years due to the impacts of climate change in the region.

Summary

The program focuses on improving evidence-based management of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Nepal, particularly by addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Key activities include conducting research on the geographical spread of VBDs, including vector and pathogen presence, and assessing climate change impacts on disease dynamics.

Another major component is strengthening the capacity of partner institutes as Centers of Excellence through training and innovation. This includes enhancing expertise in VBDs and climate change, improving data analysis skills, and establishing an integrated surveillance platform. The goal is to ensure that new research is translated into updated policies and practices. Regular collaboration between researchers and policymakers, including policy briefs and reviews, will enhance the use of research in policymaking..

Additionally, the program will focus on improving routine surveillance data quality and analysis, facilitating better decision-making at local, provincial, and national levels. To support the sustainable elimination of diseases like visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the program will strengthen surveillance in non-endemic areas, investigate insecticide resistance, and integrate entomological surveillance. These efforts will contribute to the long-term success of disease control and help ensure that VBD management is responsive to emerging threats.

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