US launches two key initiatives in Nepal

USAID in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Population has launched the Global Health Security Program, a strategic partnership to strengthen Nepal’s capacity to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to emerging infectious diseases. The program will be implemented through one health, a collaborative trans-disciplinary approach that recognizes the interdependence among the health ecosystem, wildlife and domestic animals, and humans.   

This partnership will advance US efforts to strengthen technical capacities in 50 countries by 2025 as part of the Biden Administration’s goal to strengthen health security and pandemic preparedness globally, USAID said in a press statement. The Covid-19 pandemic was a strong reminder of the harm that an emerging zoonotic pathogen can have on human health and global economies, the statement says, the pandemic also showed us where and how our global health systems need to improve to better identify and contain health threats and fully realize global health security.

Speaking at the launch event in Kathmandu, USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Bureau of Asia, Michael Schiffer said, “This program marks a significant step forward in ensuring the health and security of the Nepali population and reflects USAID’s ongoing commitment to global health and pandemic preparedness.” 

Similarly, USAID and the Government of Nepal jointly launched a new activity—Feed the Future Nepal USAID Agricultural Inputs. With up to $24.5m in funding, this activity will work to streamline access to agricultural inputs and contribute to the overall agricultural development of the country.  The five-year activity will focus on four critical agricultural inputs—seed, fertilizer, irrigation, and agricultural mechanization—in 16 districts from the Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Lumbini, Bagmati, and Madhes provinces.