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A two-day Regional Workshop on “Assessing Impact of Transboundary Animal Diseases in South Asia,” followed by the SAARC CVOs Forum Meeting, was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

The event jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka and the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), Sri Lanka, aimed to strengthen regional coordination and assess the growing threat of transboundary animal diseases (TADs), which continue to affect livestock productivity, food security and rural livelihoods in South Asia.

The event brought together leading policymakers, scientists, veterinary experts and development partners from the SAARC Member States (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), WOAH Asia and Pacific, FAO RAP, ACAPSI and Regional and International Organizations.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, D.P. Wickremasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation called for stronger investment in technology, laboratory capacity and early-warning systems. He emphasized that safeguarding animal health is key to ensuring food safety, supporting rural economies and enhancing regional trade.

Guest of Honour Dr. Palika Fernando, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation, highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen veterinary services and disease surveillance. She noted that regional workshops such as this provide vital opportunities for countries to learn from each other’s experiences and align their strategies.

Representing the SAARC Secretariat, Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Nepal, underscored the importance of integrating regional frameworks with national disease-control programs. He noted that the SAARC Secretariat will continue to support cross-border collaboration, capacity-building and harmonized reporting systems.

Md. Harunur Rashid, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), in his special remarks, reiterated SAC’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration among SAARC Member States.

He stressed that South Asia, with one of the world’s largest livestock populations, must adopt a unified strategy to mitigate disease risks. “No single country can tackle TADs alone. Only through shared knowledge and joint action can we build resilient livestock systems,” he said.

The session concluded with remarks by the Chairperson, Dr. K.K. Sarath, Chief Veterinary Officer and Director General of DAPH, who stressed the need for sustained regional commitment.

The program began with an overview presentation by Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC, who highlighted the economic and social consequences emphasized that regional disease surveillance, joint research and rapid response mechanisms are essential to safeguard livestock-dependent communities.

UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) have praised Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population for launching the National Mental Health Campaign 2025, an initiative addressing the country’s pressing child and adolescent mental health challenges.

National data show that 5.2 percent of adolescents between the ages of 13 to 19 years have diagnosable mental health conditions, while 18.3 percent of children (6–18 years) report emotional or behavioral difficulties. Suicide remains the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 years.

Despite this burden, most affected children, adolescents and young people receive little or no support.

The launch of the campaign coincides with the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, with this year’s global focus on digital violence is especially relevant as adolescents face rising cyberbullying and online harassment, which directly impact their safety and mental wellbeing.

The campaign aims to raise awareness, strengthen prevention and expand access to care for those who need it.

UNICEF and WHO, long-standing partners in advancing child and adolescent mental health, applaud the Government’s progress in implementing the National Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan 2020–2025. Both agencies reaffirm their commitment to continue working with the government in ensuring mental health as a fundamental right for all.

Through the Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) Initiative—reaching more than 100,000 children with socio-emotional learning—both agencies have contributed to advancing mental health services nationwide.

WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health has strengthened integration of mental health into general health care, operationalized the National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1166, developed district hospital service models, and supported municipal mental health toolkits.

“It is encouraging to see the Government of Nepal prioritize mental health as demonstrated through advances in service integration and the launch of this important campaign. While access to quality mental health services remains limited for many, these steps show meaningful progress and strong national commitment. WHO is proud to have supported key mental health initiatives in the past and remains committed to assisting the government in strengthening mental health policies and systems to help ensure services are accessible for all,” said Dr Rajesh Pandav, Acting WHO Representative to Nepal, reads a statement issued by WHO.

UNICEF continues to strengthen early identification, referral and care pathways; train health workers; expand telemental health services at Kanti Children’s Hospital and provincial hospitals; enhance digital platforms such as U-Report and the Machhuni chatbot; and support policy and strategy development at national and local levels.

“UNICEF is honored to support Nepal in strengthening its mental health systems. From expanding services to those who need them and building workforce capacity to generating high-quality national data, Nepal is laying the foundation for a resilient, equitable mental health system. This campaign is an important step in ensuring children and adolescents receive the care and dignity they deserve,” said Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal, according to WHO.

Despite progress, gaps persist. Adolescents face heightened vulnerability due to violence, bullying, poverty, parental mental illness and other adversities. Risk-taking behaviors, including substance use, often worsen during this period.

Without support, young people risk stigma, exclusion, educational setbacks and rights violations — particularly adolescent parents, adolescents in early or forced marriage, orphans and minority groups.

UNICEF and WHO call for a comprehensive, multisectoral response with strong leadership, sustained financing, a skilled workforce and robust information systems. Action across sectors is needed to reduce adversity, strengthen nurturing care, expand opportunities and reduce risks such as substance use. Effective mental health services—from prevention to recovery—require coordinated support across digital platforms, schools, health and social care settings and communities every child and young person can thrive.

A total of 6,027 trees will be cut down in Mahottari district as part of the East-West Highway expansion project. 

Rajesh Kumar Das, the Chief of the eastern section of the Kamala-Dhalkebar-Pathalaiya road project, stated that an order has been issued following the completion of all necessary procedures through the Division Forest Office, the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, and the Ministry of Forest and Environment. 

Chief Das revealed that a total of 11,577 trees have been authorized for removal across the districts of Mahottari, Dhanusha, and Sarlahi, where the eastern section of the project will be carried out. 

Of this total, 3,674 trees will be removed in Sarlahi, 1,876 in Dhanusha, and 6,027 in Mahottari, according to Das. 

He also mentioned that the highway will be expanded to six lanes, maintaining a width of 31 meters in urban market areas, while in other regions, it will be widened to four lanes with a total width of 18 meters. 

Das noted that the majority of the trees slated for removal during the highway expansion are Saal (Shorea robust). 

He pointed out that relocating electricity poles and installing drinking water supply pipes pose significant challenges during the expansion project. 

Tree felling bid has already commenced in Dhanusha and Sarlahi, and the process will soon begin in Mahottari, he added.

Non-life insurance companies have so far paid out only 18.7% of the total claims filed for losses arising from the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9, according to updated figures from the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA). 

The two days of violent unrest, marked by arson, vandalism and clashes between security forces and protesters, resulted in extensive damage to public property, business establishments, vehicles and private homes.

Of around 3,300 claims amounting to approximately Rs 23.44 billion received by insurers, companies have made advance and parietal payments totaling Rs 4.38 billion to policyholders, the NIA said.

Property insurance has accounted for the largest share of losses. Out of 710 property claims worth Rs 19.88 billion, insurers have so far settled about Rs 3.21 billion. Similarly, out of 2,308 motor insurance claims valued at Rs 3.47 billion, payments totaling Rs 1.08 billion have been made as of December 3..

Engineering and contractor’s risk policies have seen 225 claims worth Rs 555.5 million, of which insurers have settled Rs 68.1 million. Transport insurance accounts for 12 claims valued at Rs 16.8 million, with payouts of Rs 6.6 million. Under the “other” category, insurers have paid Rs 4.9 million against 45 claims totaling Rs 384 million.

According to the NIA, 1,984 of the total claims are linked directly to arson and vandalism in Kathmandu and several districts. Seventy-four people were killed in the protests, which escalated after police used excessive force to disperse crowds. Hotel Hilton Kathmandu alone reported damages of around Rs 8 billion, making it one of the largest individual losses.

All fourteen non-life insurance companies and four microinsurers have reported exposure to losses from the protests. Seven companies have liabilities exceeding Rs 1 billion each.

Oriental Insurance has received the highest claim totaling Rs 5.14 billion from 40 policies, followed by Siddhartha Premier Insurance with Rs 4.93 billion across 258 claims. Shikhar Insurance ranks third in terms of claim value, with 366 cases totaling Rs 2.39 billion. IME Prudential Insurance has 24 claims worth Rs 1.59 billion, while Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance has reported 233 claims amounting to Rs 1.47 billion.