GIS Training Manual for Health Statistics
Digital Health & Health InformaticsHealth in DataNational Plan, Policy & GuidelinesPublic HealthPublic Health UpdateResearch & PublicationTraining

GIS Training Manual for Health Statistics

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Integrated Health Information Management Section (IHIMS), DoHS published a “GIS Training Manual for Health Statistics.” This manual aims to build the capacity of health, statistician and allied professionals across the nation in leveraging Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for more effective health data management and analysis.

This training guide aims to provide a step-by-step process to use GIS available through Health Management Information System (HMIS) for mapping and in-depth analysis. For this training, the required QGIS Software, necessary GIS Data, and the HMIS indicators used for practice will be made available separately after downloading from DHIS. This guide consists of the following steps in a systematic learning flow.

  1. QGIS Software Installation and General Introduction of GIS
  2. Creating Project File, Save and Open
  3. QGIS User Interface
  4. Adding Data in QGIS and Shortcut Command for Layer
  5. HMIS Data Cleansing
  6. HMIS Data and GIS Data Joining and Exporting Joined Data
  7. Symbolizing Data
  8. Labeling Geometry
  9. Filtering Data
  10. Map Layout and Map Export

GIS Training Manual for Health Statistics

GIS Training Manual for Health Statistics

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WHO launches bold push to raise health taxes and save millions of lives
Global Health NewsHealth Financing and EconomicsNon- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)Public Health NewsPublic Health UpdateWorld News

WHO launches bold push to raise health taxes and save millions of lives

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The “3 by 35” Initiative targets tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to cut deaths and boost health and development funding

The World Health Organization (WHO) today has launched a major new initiative urging countries to raise real prices on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes in a move designed to curb chronic diseases and generate critical public revenue. The “3 by 35” Initiative comes at a time when health systems are under enormous strain from rising noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), shrinking development aid and growing public debt.

The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks are fueling the NCD epidemic. NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. A recent report shows that a one-time 50% price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.

“Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO. “They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection. It’s time to act.”

The Initiative has an ambitious but achievable goal of raising US$1 trillion over the next 10 years. Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, which resulted in an increase of real prices by over 50% on average, showing that large-scale change is possible.

From Colombia to South Africa, governments that have introduced health taxes have seen reduced consumption and increased revenue. Yet many countries continue to provide tax incentives to unhealthy industries, including tobacco. Moreover, long-term investment agreements with industry that restrict tobacco tax increases can further undermine national health goals. WHO encourages governments to review and avoid such exemptions to support effective tobacco control and protect public health.

Strong collaboration is at the heart of the “3 by 35” Initiative’s success. Led by WHO, the Initiative brings together a powerful group of global partners to help countries put health taxes into action. These organizations offer a mix of technical know-how, policy advice, and real-world experience. By working together, they aim to raise awareness about the benefits of health taxes and support efforts at the national level.

Many countries have expressed interest in transitioning toward more self-reliant, domestically funded health systems and are turning to WHO for guidance.

Key actions

The “3 by 35” Initiative introduces key action areas to help countries, pairing proven health policies with best practices on implementation. These include direct support for country-led reforms with the following goals in mind:

  1. Cutting harmful consumption by reducing affordability;Increase or introduce excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to raise prices and reduce consumption, cutting future health costs and preventable deaths.
  2. Raising revenue to fund health and development;
  3. Building broad political support across ministries, civil society, and academia;

WHO is calling on countries, civil society, and development partners to support the “3 by 35” Initiative and commit to smarter, fairer taxation that protects health and accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

2 July 2025 (WHO)

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If you have any complaints, information, or suggestions about the content published on Public Health Update, please feel free to contact us at blog.publichealthupdate@gmail.com.
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National Oral Health Strategy
National Plan, Policy & GuidelinesNon- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)Public Health UpdateResearch & Publication

National Oral Health Strategy 2081-2087

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Curative Service Division, DoHS has released a new strategy on oral health, guided by the National Oral Health Policy 2070 (2014 AD) and the Public Health Services Regulations 2077 (2020 AD). This strategy aims to ensure equitable access to quality oral healthcare across the nation, addressing the significant impact of oral diseases on public health and individual well-being.

National Oral Health Policy-2070, NEPAL

Goal

To ensure equitable and accessible quality oral health services for every citizen through the promotion of oral health and oral health awareness, prevention, control, development of treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases.

  • To reduce the problem of tooth decay in children aged 1 to 9 years by 25%.
  • To reduce the incidence of gum disease in citizens above 15 years of age by 20%. c) To reduce the incidence of lip and oral cancer by 35%.

Objectives

  • To govern, lead, and manage resources in the oral health sector.
  • To promote oral health, prevent diseases, and mitigate risks.
  • To manage and operate relevant public awareness programs for universal access to oral health.
  • To arrange necessary oral health services for universal access to oral health.
  • To monitor, supervise, and evaluate oral health services.

Download PDF

Download PDF

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National Field Epidemiology Conference Declaration 2025
ConferenceNational Health NewsPublic Health Epidemiology & BiostatisticsPublic Health NewsPublic Health Update

National Field Epidemiology Conference Declaration 2025

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The 1st National Conference on Field Epidemiology, held on 29–30 June 2025 under the theme “Uniting for Resilient Health: Field Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Policy Interventions”, concluded successfully with a 7-point declaration aimed at reinforcing Nepal’s public health preparedness and response systems.

We, the participants of the First National Conference on Field Epidemiology in Nepal, hereby declare our collective commitment to the following actions;

  1. Institutionalize Field Epidemiology in the health system to enhance the capacity of health workforce for timely detection, investigation, and response to public health threats.
  2. Advocate for recognition of field epidemiology workforce at federal, provincial, and local levels as part of the essential health workforce.
  3. Ensure the meaningful application of field epidemiology skills in disease surveillance, outbreak response and policy interventions.
  4. Mobilize field epidemiology workforce for effective prevention, control and response outbreak and epidemics and inform every investigation and report in national platform.
  5. Foster a culture of evidence-based public health by translating surveillance data and field investigation findings into actionable policy and program decisions.
  6. Promote collaboration, learning, and coordination among field epidemiology workforce and stakeholders through experience and learning exchange programmes.
  7. Organize regular (every two years) national conferences on field epidemiology to facilitate experience sharing, continued learning, networking, and strategic dialogue among health professionals and partners.

Under the theme “Uniting for Resilient Health: Field Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Policy Interventions,” this historic conference brings together epidemiologists, public health experts, policymakers, and researchers to strengthen Nepal’s capacity to address pressing health threats.
(The 1st National Conference on Field Epidemiology)

Public Health Calendar 17

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National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2024-2028)
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)National Plan, Policy & GuidelinesOne HealthPublic Health UpdateResearch & Publication

National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2024-2028)

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) Nepal endorses the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) 2024–2028, to ensure the rational use of antimicrobials and effectively contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nepal. This strategy focuses mainly on AMR control, prevention, and management. This action plan has been formulated in alignment with the GAP on AMR adopted by the 68th World Health Assembly.

National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Nepal (Draft)

The Public Health Service Act, 2075 (2018) prohibits the sale or distribution of antibiotics without a medical prescription and requires maintaining quality standards of consumables, including food and meat. The National Health Policy, 2076 (2019) highlights the need to develop a national action plan to reduce AMR and effectively regulate and control the misuse of antibiotics. It is notable that the Nepal Health Sector Strategy also identifies AMR as a public health challenge and implementation of One Health approach to address AMR. Likewise, this National Action Plan builds on the “One Health Strategy, 2076” (2019) endorsed by the Council of Ministers.

National Antimicrobial Treatment Guidelines 2023

Objective

The primary objective of the NAP-AMR is to ensure the rational use of antimicrobials and contain AMR. This plan is expected to improve awareness and understanding regarding AMR in Nepal, reduce inappropriate antimicrobial consumption and optimize antimicrobial use. It is expected that the NAP-AMR will improve IPC in Nepal and eventually contribute substantially to AMR containment in the country.

Vision: AMR free Nepal.

Goal:To reduce the mortality, morbidity, and economic impact of AMR through coordination and collaboration amongst all relevant stakeholders and strengthening of the mechanisms established to address AMR in Nepal.

Mission: To promote the health status of people through optimal use of antibiotics.

Strategic priorities

The five strategic priorities identified for the NAP-AMR are as follows:

  1. Improve awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication, education, and training,
  2. Strengthen the knowledge and evidence related to AMR through surveillance and research,
  3. Reduce the incidence of infection through effective infection prevention and control,
  4. Optimize the use of antimicrobial agents in the human, animal, and food sectors,
  5. Ensure sustainable resources for the containment of AMR along with promoting investment in research and innovation.

Download: National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2024-2028)

Download: National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2024-2028)

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IRS Guideline for Kala-zar and Malaria 2081
National Plan, Policy & GuidelinesPublic Health UpdateVector-Borne Diseases(VBDs)

IRS Guideline for Kala-zar and Malaria 2081

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has issued a guideline on Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) for Kala-azar and Malaria. This guide provides detailed instructions on the application of IRS, which involves spraying the interior walls of homes with insecticides. The methodology is specifically targeted at controlling endophilic insects – those that primarily rest indoors.

Download guideline

Download guideline

Related: National Guidelines on Integrated Vector Management (IVM) 2020

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INclusive, Sustainable, Prosperous and REsilient (INSPIRE) Health Systems in Asia and the Pacific Health Forum
ConferenceInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

INclusive, Sustainable, Prosperous and REsilient (INSPIRE) Health Systems in Asia and the Pacific Health Forum

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Inclusive, Sustainable, Prosperous and Resilient Health Systems in Asia and Pacific or the INSPIRE Health Forum 2025 is the flagship event of the Health Practice Team, which will be held at ADB Headquarters from 7-11 July 2025.

INSPIRE will highlight how ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs) are enhancing governance, health financing, health infrastructure and systems, human resources for health, pandemic preparedness and response, health regulations, and climate and health actions including addressing communicable and infectious diseases. It will showcase innovations for ensuring gender equality in health, managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health concern, deploying digital health tools, and responding to aging and other health system issues.

INSPIRE is ADB’s flagship event to spark innovation and drive the transformation of health systems in Asia and the Pacific. The forum will present ADB’s solutions working groups approach in health systems strengthening and universal health coverage (UHC), climate and health, and pandemic preparedness and response. It will underscore the collaboration between ADB health team with education, social protection, agriculture, energy, transport, private sector and other ADB teams. It will emphasize partnerships and coalitions with development partners and the private sector.

Objectives

INSPIRE Health Forum 2025 aspires to have the following impacts in the region: (i) present best practices of DMCs in achieving UHC, pandemic response, addressing climate and health, and improving health outcomes; (ii) share lessons in designing and implementing health system reforms particularly in health infrastructure, human resources for health, health regulations, health financing and digital health; (iii) showcase ADB’s financing and technical support in health systems strengthening, UHC, pandemic response, and addressing climate and health in DMCs; (iv) enable increased development and deployment of innovative health initiatives and solutions; and (v) facilitate increased private sector participation in the health sector.

Target participants

Officials of ministries of health and finance, local governments, and national health insurance programs, health and non-health experts, policymakers, development practitioners, industry leaders and private health providers, health innovators, and other health stakeholders.

Resource speakers

Experts on climate and health, universal health coverage, pandemic response, and capacity building from governments, international development organizations, academe and research institutions, philanthropies, and the private sector.

How to register

Registration to the forum is now open. This is a hybrid forum with registered participants to be informed of their mode of participation as in-person or virtual. Explore the week’s agenda and get a preview of the exciting discussions and insightful presentations ahead.

More Information: ADB Official announcement

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South-East Asia Physical Activity Conference 2025 (SEAPAC 2025)
ConferenceInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesNon- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)Public Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

South-East Asia Physical Activity Conference 2025 (SEAPAC 2025)

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The South-East Asia Physical Activity Conference 2025 (SEAPAC 2025) is an international event focused on promoting equitable opportunities in physical activity across all sectors of society. It will be held from November 5-7, 2025, at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre At CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand.

Purpose and theme:

The overarching theme of SEAPAC 2025 is “Uniting Movement: A Collective Action for Equitable Opportunities in Physical Activity.” Its core purpose is to bring together diverse stakeholders to work collaboratively towards creating a more active and healthier society.

The conference will explore four key pillars of the Uniting Movement:

  • Collaboration: Partnering with organizations and stakeholders to create inclusive physical activity programs and policies.
  • Integration: Aligning community-based initiatives for promoting physical activity.
  • Advocacy: Raising awareness and influencing policies on equitable access to physical activity.
  • Engagement: Encouraging participation from diverse community groups.

To further visualize and emphasize the comprehensive coverage of the “Uniting Movement” theme, the conference will address critical sub-themes across various population groups. The sub-themes of Policy, Surveillance/Situation, Intervention, Tech Innovation, and Best Practices will be explored in depth for all age groups, including pregnancy and post-partum, early childhood, children, adolescents, working-aged adults, older adults, and vulnerable populations (those least active).

Key dates

  • 08 Jan 2025: Abstract Submission Opens (Symposia, Regular Abstracts & Workshops)
  • 17 Mar 2025: Deadline for symposia and workshop submissions
  • 17 Apr 2025: Notifications for Symposia & Workshops
  • 30July 2025: Abstract Submission Deadline to 30 July 2025
  • 14 Aug 2025: Notifications for regular abstracts
Target Audience

(expected attendees and their benefits)

  • Policy Makers:Learn about best practices in policy development and equitable physical activity programs.
  • Academia & Researchers:Present and discuss cutting-edge research in physical activity promotion.
  • Practitioners working at the local and community level:Gain practical tools, connect with peers, and share experiences in advancing community-based physical activity initiatives. Learn how to scale up local efforts through collective action.
  • Private and Business Sector: Discover how businesses can play a role in supporting active lifestyles. Gain insights into partnership opportunities, innovation strategies, and CSR alignment with public health goals.
  • NGOs:Explore the diverse roles of NGOs in advancing physical activity—from community engagement and advocacy to program implementation and cross-sector collaboration. Connect with peers to share strategies and scale impact.
  • Health Organizations: Explore how to integrate physical activity into healthcare systems and services. Benefit from shared innovations, data, and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Social Workers: Discover how physical activity can be used to foster social inclusion and strengthen community engagement. Gain practical approaches to support marginalized groups and promote equitable access to active living.
  • Students: Connect with experts and present research.
  • General Audience: Attend sessions to gain knowledge and be part of this important movement.

For more information: Official website: https://seapac2025.org

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International Day of Yoga 2025: Yoga for One Earth, One Health
Life Style & Public Health NutritionOne HealthPH Important DayPublic HealthPublic Health Update

International Day of Yoga 2025: Yoga for One Earth, One Health

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

21 June 2025

Today marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, celebrated worldwide with this year’s powerful theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” This theme beautifully reminds us that personal well-being and planetary health are deeply interconnected.

Yoga not only strengthens the body and calms the mind—it also cultivates mindfulness, encouraging us to make healthier, more sustainable lifestyle choices. As we care for our own health, we extend that care to our communities and the Earth, embodying the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.”

Why do we celebrate Yoga?

Originating in ancient India, yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline that symbolizes the union of body and consciousness. Recognizing its universal appeal, the United Nations declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014- an initiative led by India and supported by 175 member states.

Health Benefits of Yoga:

  • Better body image, Perfects your posture
  • Manage stress
  • Regulates your adrenal glands and body secretions 
  • Relieves stress
  • Improved respiration, energy and vitality
  • maintaining a balanced metabolism.
  • Helps with back pain
  • Increased flexibility.
  • Increased muscle strength and tone.
  • Cardiovascular benefits and circulatory health
  • Weight reduction.
  • Improved athletic performance.
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Call for nominations: WHO South-East Asia Award for Public Health Champion
AwardAwardsPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunitySouth-East Asia Region

Call for nominations: WHO South-East Asia Award for Public Health Champion

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The Regional Director of the WHO South-East Asia Region has established the WHO South-East Asia Award for Public Health Champion to recognize and honour exceptional contributions to improving public health in the Region. This prestigious award aims to acknowledge individuals and institutions whose work has had a significant and lasting impact on public health outcomes in the Region. 

Criteria

The proposed awardee(s) will be an individual (public health professional, academician, activist, change maker) or a nongovernmental or government-aided institution (universities, research organizations, think tanks, etc.) and health care facility (both government and non-government), whose work and contributions have had a significant and far-reaching impact and resulted in ensuring tangible health gains for Member States and their populations or for the Region as a whole.

The awardee(s) must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  1. undertaken sustained advocacy and awareness creation on a previously neglected public health issue, leading to global sensitization and catalysing a roadmap for meaningful response;
  2. provided unique technical support to WHO and Member States in building sustainable capacity in the health sector, resulting in substantial mortality reduction from a disease/factor of immense public health importance;
  3. facilitated strengthening of quality health systems and improving access for vulnerable populations, thereby, improving the health indicators in the defined geographical area;
  4. designed, developed, or disseminated an innovation or tool that has brought about a paradigm shift in public health actions at an affordable cost; or
  5. mobilized communities towards better health with demonstrable change in their health-seeking behaviours.

Preference will be given to contributions that align with the “WHO South-East Asia Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience (ROADMAP): The shared strategic framework towards a healthier Region” (https://www.who.int/southeastasia/publications/i/item/9789290211495).

The Award will be presented/conferred during the Regional Committee Session to be held in 2025.

Process

The nominators can submit evidence and documentation to support their nomination. The evidence can include data, reports, media coverage, peer-reviewed articles, evaluations or testimonials, etc.

Please note that self-nominations will not be considered.

WHO staff and individual government officials are ineligible for nominations.

Selection criteria:

The award screening committee will use the following selection criteria:

  1. Impact, Scalability, and Replicability: Evidence of measurable improvements in public health outcomes and the potential for the intervention to be replicated in other contexts.
  2. Sustainability, Equity, and Inclusiveness: Demonstrated sustainability through integration into policies or community behavior, and responsiveness to the needs of disadvantaged or marginalized populations.
  3. Innovation and Originality: Uniqueness of the intervention in approach, tools, or engagement strategies.

Adherence to the Framework of Engagement with non-State Actors (FENSA) principles will also be considered during shortlisting of candidates for the award.

The awardees will be honoured at an informal function during the Regional Committee Session, the annual governing body meeting of WHO in South-East Asia.

Link for submitting nomination: 

https://extranet.who.int/dataformv6/index.php/587263?lang=en

Important dates:

July 31: Deadline to submit the nominations.

September 15: Award results will be finalized, and communication made to the awardees.

Award

The Award will consist of a citation and a commemorative plaque. 

Official Information: WHO SEARO

⚡ Looking for expert analysis, policy briefs, and high-level reviews on Nepal's health sector?

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Disclaimer: The resources, documents, guidelines, and information on this blog have been collected from various sources and are intended for informational purposes only. Information published on or through this website and affiliated social media channels does not represent the intention, plan, or strategies of an organization that the initiator is associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly indicated.
If you have any complaints, information, or suggestions about the content published on Public Health Update, please feel free to contact us at blog.publichealthupdate@gmail.com.
#StayUpdated

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