MoHP and WHO lead consultations toward Nepal’s first multisectoral action plan to combat dengue

Lalitpur, Bagmati Province — The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), in collaboration with the WHO Country Office for Nepal, convened a two-day National consultative workshop to advance Nepal’s first multisectoral action plan for Dengue prevention and control. Over 60 representatives from health, education, finance, industry, communication, urban development and construction sectors, along with civil society, youth networks, academia and development partners, participated in the workshop. The MoHP and WHO shared updates on the national dengue programme and global and regional priorities, underscoring the need for coordinated multisectoral action to address dengue’s complex social, environmental and urban determinants. Through intensive discussions and dynamic group works, participants identified priority interventions and activities, focusing on surveillance, integrated vector management, risk communication, health system preparedness and governance. Diverse sectors and stakeholders provided a valuable platform to agree on sector-specific roles and responsibilities at federal, provincial and local levels, reinforcing accountability for implementation. The draft plan aligns with the Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for Dengue and Other Aedes-borne Arboviruses, supports WHO’s goal of zero dengue mortality by 2030 and reaffirms Nepal’s commitment to SDG Target 3.3. WHO will now support the MoHP to incorporate the consultation inputs and securing endorsement from the concerned ministries. The plan will serve as Nepal’s first comprehensive multisectoral framework for dengue prevention and control.