Global Health Achievements
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Top 40 Global Health Achievements of 2023

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Here are the top 40 global health highlights from 2023, compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO).

  1. The WHO certified Azerbaijan and Tajikistan as malaria-free, followed by Belize.
  2. Egypt became the first country in the world to achieve “gold tier” status on the path to eliminating hepatitis C.
  3. Ghana eliminated gambiense Human African trypanosomiasis.
  4. Benin and Mali eliminated trachoma.
  5. Bangladesh and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic successfully eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health concern.
  6. Bangladesh also became the first country in the world to be officially validated for having eliminated kala-azar.
  7. The WHO declared COVID-19 over as a global health emergency.
  8. Global partners announced “The Big Catch-up”: a coordinated effort to reverse the declines in childhood vaccination, strengthen health systems, and work towards a future where no child dies of a vaccine-preventable disease.
  9. WHO recommended a new vaccine for malaria prevention.
  10. A new dengue vaccine was recommended for introduction in settings with a high disease burden.
  11. WHO prequalified a novel meningococcal conjugate vaccine and issued a policy for its use in the countries of the African meningitis belt.
  12. Thirty countries have introduced the vaccine, including some with high levels of cervical cancer such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
  13. This year saw a record-breaking resurgence of many infectious diseases – anthrax, chikungunya, cholera, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue, diphtheria, influenza, RSV – that needed a coordinated regional and global response. Other outbreaks included Lassa Fever in Nigeria and Ebola disease in Uganda, as well as Marburg virus disease in Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania.
  14. This year, there were over 1200 attacks on health care, affecting workers, patients, hospitals, clinics, and ambulances, across 19 countries and territories, resulting in over 700 deaths and nearly 1200 injuries.
  15. WHO declared an end to two Public Health Emergencies of International Concern: COVID-19 and smallpox.
  16. A new COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health was signed by over 130 countries at the UN Climate Conference.
  17. WHO’s MPOWER tobacco control measures were introduced globally.
  18. This year, Mauritius became the first country in Africa, and the Netherlands the first in Europe, to put in place the full package of WHO tobacco control policies at the highest possible level, joining only two other countries, Brazil and Türkiye, which have achieved the same goal.
  19. WHO released its first-ever report on the devastating global impact of high blood pressure.
  20. India launched an ambitious initiative to screen and place 75 million people with hypertension or diabetes on standard care by 2025.
  21. The Philippines is expanding its programs to prevent and manage cardiovascular diseases.
  22. Thirty-three countries in the WHO Region of the Americas have scaled up health delivery services to prevent and control cardiovascular diseases.
  23. WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health is being implemented across WHO’s 6 regions, in Argentina, Bangladesh, Ghana, Jordan, Nepal, Paraguay, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe.
  24. The new WHO Global status report on road safety 2023 shows that, since 2010, the number of annual road traffic deaths has fallen by 5% to 1.19 million.
  25. The 76th World Health Assembly adopted its first-ever resolution on drowning prevention.
  26. A trial this year showed major promise for reducing maternal deaths due to postpartum bleeding, the leading global cause of maternal mortality.
  27. The first-ever global roadmap to tackle postpartum hemorrhage was launched in October 2023.
  28. Australia is on target to achieve elimination within the next 10 years, and England’s National Health Service (NHS) pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
  29. This year, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Switzerland were the first three countries to be listed as WHO-Listed Authorities.
  30. The WHO Essential Medicines List was updated in 2023 with new inclusions for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and cancer, among others.
  31. The Essential Diagnostics List was updated with 8 new entries, including diagnostics for the self-care of diabetes. Glucose personal monitors were among the additions, along with hepatitis E tests.
  32. The publication of a WHO testing method for the contaminant seen in syrup medicines will help combat substandard health products which have led to at least 300 deaths in children worldwide.
  33. Countries at this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA76) passed a historic resolution for the health of Indigenous Peoples calling for a Global Action Plan to specifically address the health disparities faced by their communities for the first time.
  34. Ministers and government representatives adopted a groundbreaking political declaration – the Rabat Declaration – committing to improve the health of refugees and migrants.
  35. WHO and partners convened the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit to harness the potential of evidence-based traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.
  36. The UN General Assembly hosted three High-Level Meetings on health – the highest number ever. Here, world leaders made a historic commitment for greater collaboration, governance, and investment to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics.
  37. A new Political Declaration on ending tuberculosis was also signed.
  38. WHO is working to ensure the safety and effectiveness of AI for health, new guidance was published listing key regulatory considerations on AI for health.
  39. WHO and the G20 India presidency announced a new Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) at the G20 Summit hosted by the Government of India.
  40. WHO announced a landmark digital health partnership with the European Commission, based on the European Union (EU) system of digital COVID-19 certification.

Read full story: World Health Organization

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Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy of Health Sector 2080
National Plan, Policy & GuidelinesPublic HealthPublic Health UpdateResearch & Publication

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy of Health Sector 2080

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The Government of Nepal has endorsed a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy for the Health Sector 2080. This strategy is an upgraded version of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy for the Health Sector 2066. The revision was carried out to align the strategy with constitutional requirements and to ensure consistency with other health policies and programs.

The GESI strategy of the health sector aims to enhance the health status of all individuals by providing equitable health services, aligning with the goals and objectives of the National Health Policy 2076.

Rationale

  • To maintain coordinative efforts among a three-level government in health service delivery with regard to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)
  • To align the strategy with rights enshrined in the constitution of Nepal and Nepal’s commitment to Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • To achieve Nepal’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and realize universal health coverage
  • To attain the long term goal of ensuring an inclusive state as envisioned by Nepal’s periodic plan

Priorities

  • To enhance trust of excluded groups on the health system by ensuring inclusive, quality and accountable health services delivery
  • To mainstream GESI into the health policies, institutional structures and systems of the federal, provincial and local levels of government and other agencies.
  • To ensure accountable, protective, distributive, and rehabilitative justice to essential health needs of the target groups

Objectives

  • To mainstream GESI in the policy, strategy, law, plan, program and budget monitoring and evaluation of the health sector at federal, provincial and local levels.
  • To enhance equitable access of target groups in health services, internalize GESI into institutional mechanisms to empower target groups to demand their rights to and use basic health services.  
  • To conduct targeted programs so as to meet the specific health needs of vulnerable and excluded classes (groups) for ensuring their equal access to and utilization of health services.

Download PDF File

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WHO officially recognizes noma as a neglected tropical disease
Global Health NewsNeglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)Public Health NewsPublic Health UpdateWorld News

WHO officially recognizes noma as a neglected tropical disease

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

In a pivotal move towards addressing one of the world’s most underrecognized health challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the inclusion of noma (cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis) in its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This decision, which was recommended by the 17th meeting of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases (STAG-NTD), underscores WHO’s commitment to expanding health services to the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Noma, a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face, primarily affects malnourished young children (between the ages of 2 and 6 years) in regions of extreme poverty. It starts as an inflammation of the gums, which, if not treated early, spreads quickly to destroy facial tissues and bones. It frequently leads to death, with survivors suffering severe disfigurement.

Accurate estimation of the number of noma cases is challenging due to the rapid progression of the disease and the associated stigma, which contributes to leaving many cases undiagnosed. Cases of noma are mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa, although cases have also been reported in the Americas and Asia.

Evidence indicates that noma is caused by bacteria found in the mouth. There are multiple risk factors associated with this disease, including poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, weakened immune systems, infections, and extreme poverty. Noma isn’t contagious but tends to strike when the body’s defenses are down.

Early detection is essential, as therapy is most effective at the early stages of disease when it causes severe swollen gums, known as acute necrotizing gingivitis. Treatment involves antibiotics, advice and support on practices to improve oral hygiene with disinfectant mouthwash (salt water or chlorhexidine could be used) and nutritional supplements. If diagnosed during the early stages of the disease, treatment can lead to proper wound healing without long-term consequences. In severe cases though, surgery may be necessary. Children who survive the gangrenous stage of the disease are likely to suffer severe facial disfigurement, have difficulty eating and speaking, face social stigma and isolation, and need reconstructive surgery.

“Noma is more than a disease, it is a social marker of extreme poverty and malnutrition, affecting the most vulnerable populations,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “By classifying noma as a neglected tropical disease, we are shining a light on a condition that has afflicted marginalized communities for centuries. We are committed to working with affected countries and communities to address the drivers of noma, and alleviate the suffering it causes.”

The recognition of noma as an NTD aims to amplify global awareness, catalyse research, stimulate funding, and boost efforts to control the disease through multisectoral and multi-pronged approaches. Interventions addressing the burden of this devastating disease will contribute to achieving universal health coverage, as they will specifically target pockets of underserved populations.    

Noma is often managed by oral health programmes in endemic areas and collaboration with NTD programmes at operational level can be strengthened, notably by integrating noma within the activities aimed at detecting and managing skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs).

The Government of Nigeria spearheaded action to have noma included in the list of NTDs. In January 2023, an official request was submitted to WHO on behalf of 32 Member States. The request was supported by a detailed dossier highlighting the burden and distribution of noma and providing evidence to demonstrate fulfilment of the criteria set by WHO. Several partner institutions contributed by sharing information and conducting advocacy.

The formal process for adding new conditions to the NTD list was established by the STAG-NTD in 2016. Since then, the following diseases have been added: mycetoma (2016); chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses (2017; merged in a single group with mycetoma); scabies (2017); snakebite envenoming (2017); and noma (2023). Currently, with noma, WHO’s NTD list includes 21 diseases or groups of diseases.

NTDs listed by WHO Regional Offices (in alphabetical order)

Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) – Neglected Tropical Diseases

  1. Buruli ulcer
  2. Dengue
  3. Dracunculiasis
  4. Endemic treponematoses (yaws and bejel)
  5. Human African trypanosomiasis
  6. Leishmaniasis (visceral and cutaneous)
  7. Leprosy
  8. Lymphatic filariasis
  9. Onchocerciasis
  10. Rabies
  11. Schistosomiasis
  12. Soil-transmitted helminthiases
  13. Trachoma

Regional Office for the Americas (AMRO) – Neglected, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases

  1. Chagas disease
  2. Dengue
  3. Fascioliasis
  4. Hydatidosis
  5. Leishmaniasis
  6. Leprosy
  7. Lymphatic filariasis
  8. Onchocerciasis
  9. Rabies
  10. Schistosomiasis
  11. Soil-transmitted helminthiases
  12. Trachoma

Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) – Tropical Diseases

  1. Dengue (Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases Unit)
  2. Dracunculiasis
  3. Leishmaniasis
  4. Leprosy
  5. Lymphatic filariasis
  6. Onchocerciasis
  7. Rabies (Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases Unit)
  8. Schistosomiasis
  9. Soil-transmitted helminthiases
  10. Trachoma

Regional Office for Europe (EURO) – Vector-borne and parasitic diseases

  1. Dengue and Chikungunya
  2. Echinococcosis (Food safety)
  3. Leishmaniasis
  4. Rabies (Food safety)
  5. Soil-transmitted helminthiases
  6. Taeniasis/cysticercosis (Food safety)

Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO) – Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases

  1. Dengue, Chikungunya
  2. Leprosy
  3. Lymphatic filariasis
  4. Rabies (International Health and Regulations)
  5. Schistosomiasis
  6. Visceral leishmaniasis/Kala-azar
  7. Soil-transmitted helminthiases
  8. Trachoma
  9. Yaws

Regional Office for the Western Pacific Region (WPRO) – Neglected Tropical Diseases

  1. Blinding trachoma
  2. Buruli ulcer
  3. Dengue
  4. Echinococcosis
  5. Foodborne trematodiasis
  6. Leishmaniasis
  7. Leprosy
  8. Lymphatic filariasis
  9. Rabies
  10. Schistosomiasis
  11. Soil-transmitted helminthiases
  12. Taeniasis/cysticercosis
  13. Yaws
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Global status report on road safety 2023
Health in DataPublic Health UpdateReportsRoad Traffic Accidents (RTA)

Global status report on road safety 2023

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Global status report on road safety 2023 details the scale of global road traffic deaths, and progress in advancing laws, strategies and actions to reduce them around the world. The fifth report in a series, it provides an overview of progress between 2010 and 2021, and sets a baseline for the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 target of halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. 

The Global status report on road safety 2023 shows that the number of annual road traffic deaths has fallen slightly to 1.19 million. The report shows that efforts to improve road safety are having an impact, and that significant reductions in road traffic deaths can be made if proven measures are applied. Despite this, the price paid for mobility remains too high. Road traffic injuries remain the leading killer of children and young people aged 5-29 years. More than half of fatalities occur among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, in particular those living in low and middle-income countries. Urgent action is needed if the global goal of at least halving road traffic deaths and injuries by the year 2030 is to be achieved. 

Facts

  • Road traffic deaths and injuries remain a major global health and development challenge.
  • As of 2019, road traffic crashes are the leading killer of children and youth aged 5 to 29 years and are the 12th leading cause of death when all ages are considered.
  • Two-thirds of deaths occur among people of working age (18–59 years), causing huge health, social and economic harm throughout society.
  • More than half of fatalities are among pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists. Occupants of 4-wheel vehicles account for almost one-third of fatalities.
  • Occupants of vehicles carrying more than 10 people, heavy goods vehicles and “other” users constitute one-fifth of all deaths. Micro-mobility modes such as e-scooters account for 3% of deaths.
  • Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists remain dangerously exposed. Nearly 80% of all roads assessed do not meet a minimum 3-star rating for pedestrian safety, and as cyclist fatalities increase, just 0.2% of all roads assessed have cycle lanes.
  • Nine in 10 deaths occur in low- and middleincome countries, while people in low-income countries continue to face the highest risk of death per population.
  • Globally, 28% of all fatalities occur in the WHO South-East Asia Region, 25% in the Western Pacific Region, 19% in the African Region, 12% in the Region of the Americas, 11% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and 5% in the European Region.
  • The European Region reports the largest drop in deaths since 2010 – a 36% decline. The Western Pacific Region reports a 16% decline, the South-East Asia Region a 2% decline and the number of deaths has remained constant in the Region of the Americas. Reductions in the number of deaths were observed in 108 countries, including 10 where the 50% was achieved by 2021.
  • Ten countries reduced the number of deaths by 50% and another 35 countries reduced deaths by 30–49% between 2010 and 2021.
  • The South-East Asia Region has the highest death rates and numbers overall.

Call for better standards and policies

The report reveals an alarming lack of progress in advancing laws and safety standards. Just six countries have laws that meet WHO best practice for all risk factors (speeding, drink–driving, and use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts and child restraints) while 140 countries (two-thirds of UN Member States) have such laws for at least one of these risk factors. Of note, 23 of these countries modified their laws to meet WHO best practice since the Global status report on road safety 2018. 

The global motor-vehicle fleet is set to double by 2030. Yet just 35 countries – less than a fifth of UN Member States – legislate on all key vehicle safety features (e.g. advanced braking systems, front- and side-impact protection, etc). The report also reveals major gaps in ensuring safe road infrastructure, with just 51 countries – a quarter of UN Member States – having laws that require safety inspections that cover all road users.

Countries with laws meeting WHO best practice on one or more of the five key risk factors

Screen Shot 2023 12 13 at 20.43.01
Countries with laws meeting WHO best practice on one or more of the five key risk factors (Summary report-p8)
Screen Shot 2023 12 13 at 20.42.23
Number of countries with legislation on “core” vehicle safety requirements, 2022 (Summary report, p6)

Read more: Download: Global status report on road safety 2023

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FP 2030
International Jobs & OpportunitiesOpportunities by RegionPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

Call for Applications: FP 2030 Performance Monitoring and Evidence Working Group Membership

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The PME WG is a platform for collaboration and discussion that brings together the foremost leaders, thinkers, and practitioners in family planning measurement. It plays a critical role in the success of FP2030 – a global partnership of governments, civil society, multilateral organizations, donors, the private sector and research community, working together to advance the family planning movement and to promote evidence-based family planning programs.    

PME WG members work closely with the PME WG co-leads and the North American and European Hub (NAE) Hub to develop an annual Activity Plan that contributes to the FP2030 high level work plan. As part of the Activity Plan, the PME WG members will collaborate with the FP2030 team to review and support analysis for the FP2030 annual progress report. Additionally, members engage in Activity Plan work streams, convened to collaborate on specific activities. Work streams analyze, question, and develop draft approaches for PME WG feedback, input, and decision. 

The PME WG is comprised of leaders in family planning measurement. Overall membership is meant to be representative of the global family planning community, specifically including:  

  • The different parts of the family planning data architecture, including data collection agencies, modelers, researchers, program implementers and advocates.  
  • A broad range of technical skills and thematic expertise, reflecting the FP2030 measurement agenda.  
  • Candidates should possess a strong understanding of family planning data and standard family planning indicators, including the FP2030 Measurement framework, and have extensive experience working on family planning in developing countries. 

MEMBERSHIP ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PME WG members work closely with the PME WG co-leads and FP2030’s data support staff to develop an annual Activity Plan that contributes to the FP2030 Measurement Agenda. Members of the PME WG are responsible for providing technical and strategic advice in their areas of expertise, sharing their specific knowledge and experience, working towards stakeholder alignment in their respective spheres of influence, promoting the principles and activities of FP2030, and liaising with their communities of practice, building relationships, and encouraging engagement with the FP2030 partnership.

Members are expected to actively engage in Working Group activities and attend in-person meetings. Accepted applicants will be invited to serve a two-year term, with the possibility of an extension.

Applicants will be reviewed with an eye towards technical expertise and institutional representation while also striving for geographical diversity (both in terms of where members work and where they are from); gender diversity, and representation from traditionally underrepresented groups. 

Note: Applications from individuals whose institutions are already represented on the PME Working Group, who are FP2030 focal points, or who already participate in FP2030 governance in an official capacity will not be considered.    

The application will close on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11:59pm ET. The selected members will be notified in early 2024. 

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FP 2030
Fellowships, Studentship & ScholarshipsGrants and Funding OpportunitiesInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesOpportunities by RegionPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

Call for Applications: FP 2030 Early Career Fellowship

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The Early Career Fellowship is a three-year professional development opportunity for young professionals in the field of family planning measurement. Youth fellows work closely with the PME WG co-leads and the Supports Hub to develop an annual Activity Plan that contributes to the FP2030 high-level work plan. As part of the Activity Plan, the PME WG members will collaborate with the FP2030 team to review and support analysis for the FP2030 annual progress report. Additionally, the fellows will have the opportunity to meet one on one with a PME WG member to discuss issues related to sexual and reproductive health, career, and research.   

To be eligible, fellows must:  

  • Be under the age of 30   
  • Currently enrolled or graduated within 2 years of a PhD or DrPH graduate program related to global health, public health, demography, etc.  
  • Have 3-5 years of experience working and/or studying in global family planning and sexual and reproductive health measurement.   
  • Have a strong understanding and interest in the Family Planning 2030 partnership and measurement agenda.   
  • Demonstrate a broad range of technical skills, experience analyzing quantitative or qualitative data, and thematic expertise on areas of the FP2030 measurement agenda.   
  • Demonstrate professional proficiency in English. Please note that Working Group activities are conducted in English.  

FELLOWSHIP ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Youth fellows work closely with the PME WG co-leads and the Supports Hub to develop an annual Activity Plan that contributes to the FP2030 high-level work plan. As part of the Activity Plan, the PME WG members will collaborate with the FP2030 team to review and support analysis for the FP2030 annual progress report. Youth fellows engage in Activity Plan workstreams, convened to collaborate on specific activities, with support from FP2030 staff. Workstreams analyze, question, and develop draft approaches for PME WG feedback, input, and decision.

Applicants will be reviewed with an eye towards technical expertise and institutional representation while also striving for geographical diversity (both in terms of fellows’ university affiliations and where they are from), gender diversity, and representation from traditionally underrepresented groups. Students from Africa, Asia, or the LAC region are encouraged to apply. 

The youth fellowship is a voluntary position with the PME Working Group and students will receive a stipend.  The application will close on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11:59pm ET. The selected youth fellows will be notified in early 2024. 

Apply Now

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International Universal Health Coverage Day 2023: Health for All - Now More than Ever
Global Health NewsPH Important DayPrimary Health CarePublic Health NewsPublic Health UpdateUniversal Health CoverageWorld News

International Universal Health Coverage Day 2023: Health for All – Now More than Ever

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Background

On 12 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) – the idea that everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care. On 12 December 2017, the United Nations proclaimed 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) by resolution 72/138.

International Universal Health Coverage Day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage with multi-stakeholder partners. Each year on 12 December, UHC advocates raise their voices to share the stories of the millions of people still waiting for health, champion what we have achieved so far, call on leaders to make bigger and smarter investments in health, and encourage diverse groups to make commitments to help move the world closer to UHC by 2030.

International Universal Health Coverage Day

Message from Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.

On International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, the United Nations, World Health Organization and its Member States in the South-East Asia Region highlight the urgent need to accelerate progress toward the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (“UHC”), with primary health care as its’ cornerstone. 

Eleven years ago today, with leadership from countries of our Region, the United Nations General Assembly (“UNGA”) endorsed a ground-breaking resolution urging all countries to accelerate progress towards UHC. Three years later, in 2015, UHC became the founding principle of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. 

Seven years remain in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Globally, the expansion of service coverage has slowed prior to pre-2015 gains, with limited or no progress since 2019: currently 4.5 billion people are not fully covered by essential health services. Trends in financial protection are also worsening: with an estimated 2 billion people suffering financial hardship due to out-of-pocket expenditure. Reflecting their concern on the limited progress and investment in UHC, in September 2023 at the UNGA, Heads of State and Government committed to scaling up national and international efforts.

At the Regional level, the South-East Asia Region has prioritized UHC as a Flagship Priority since 2014. Over the last decade, very significant UHC-related reforms have and are currently in process of implementation across the Region. Important gains are already evident. Between, 2015 and 2021, the Region increased its UHC service coverage index from 54 to 62. Between 2014 and 2020, alongside an increase in share of public investment, out-of-pocket health spending as share of current health spending decreased from 42.8% to 37.9%. Moreover, while catastrophic health spending remains a key concern, the population impoverished and further impoverished due to out-of-pocket health spending declined from 30.5% in 2005 to 6.6% in 2019. 

However, progress to date remains insufficient to achieve the UHC SDG targets. Of particular concern, while noncommunicable diseases cause nearly two-thirds of all deaths in the Region, the regional average noncommunicable diseases sub-index has evidenced the slowest pace of improvement.

Acceleration towards Universal Health Coverage is needed in a time of significant global turbulence with escalating pressures and demands on health systems.  The Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing global conflicts, subsequent and associated economic challenges, epidemiological and demographic transitions, intensifying climate crises, increasing frequency of new and novel pathogens, rapid urbanization, need for integration of  historically siloed program and approaches, and increased population expectations are collectively demanding more from health systems across the Region.

Recognizing contemporary challenges and opportunities, Member countries of our Region are committed to accelerating progress towards UHC through strengthening the foundation of primary health care. Universal Health Coverage provides a key platform for all technical departments to integrate our support to countries.

Importantly, a little over a month ago, during the WHO SEA Region 76th Regional Committee Session Ministers of Health adopted the “Delhi Declaration on strengthening primary health care as a key element towards achieving universal health coverage” (SEA RC/76/R3). Through the Delhi Declaration, Health Ministers of Member countries committed to reorient health service delivery systems based on a life cycle approach, with people and communities at the center; to prioritize primary health care in health budgets; and to assure effective use of resources through strengthen systems for accountability and monitoring at national and sub-national levels. 

Health for all has been a desired goal for countries of the Region since the end of the colonial period. Despite the challenges facing us, never has it been closer in reach. Countries in our Region, through both political commitment and action, are showing the path forward for a healthier, more just, and more prosperous world.  As we proceed towards the goal of health for all, concerted focus on identifying and addressing health inequities with engagement of affected communities, must remain at the forefront. WHO is committed to providing its ongoing and unmitigated support, for a South-East Asia Region in which all people can access quality health services, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.

Social media messages (https://universalhealthcoverageday.org)

  • PrimaryHealthCare is the most effective, efficient way to ensure that health policies and services respond to people’s needs, in crisis and in calm.
  • This UHCDay, we call on governments to get #UniversalHealthCoverage back on track by investing in primary health care.
  • Primary health care can deliver 90% of the essential health services people need.
  • This #UHCDay, we’re calling on leaders to increase budget allocations for primary health care.
  • Half of the world’s population does not have access to essential health services.
  • An estimated 2 billion people face financial hardship due to out-of-pocket health expenses, including 344 million people living in extreme poverty.
  • Since the launch of the SDGs in 2015 – even before the COVID-19 pandemic – the expansion of health service coverage had stalled and financial protection had deteriorated.

Recommended reading

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No of Health Facilities in Nepal
Fact SheetHealth in DataHealth SystemsPublic Health Update

Number of Health Facilities in Nepal

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The Nepal Health Facts Sheet 2023, published by the Department of Health Services (DoHS), highlights the number of health facilities registered in Nepal. According to the fact sheet, there are total of 14,313 health facilities that provide services and are registered under the reporting mechanism of DoHS. These includes public hospitals, primary healthcare centers (PHCC), health posts, non-public facilities, and the Basic Health Service Center (BHSC).

Recommended: Nepal Health Facility Registry, MoHP

Number of Total Health Facilities in Nepal

Public Hospitals, Primary Healthcare Centre (PHCC), Health Post, Non-public facilities and Basic Health Service Centre (BHSC).

S. NoHealth Facility2077/782078/792079/80
1Public Hospitals201192215
2Primary Healthcare Centre (PHCC)189188187
3Health Post379437753778
4Non-public facilities208221552551
5Basic Health Service Centre (BHSC)7582
Total6266631014313
Number of Health Facilities in Nepal

Province wise distribution of health facilities in Nepal

S.NoHealth FacilityKoshiMadheshBagmatiGandakiLumbiniKarnaliSudurpaschimTotal
1Public Hospital46185423282818215
2Primary Healthcare Centre (PHCC)33324025291315187
3Health Post6327406434875683323763778
4Non-public facilities217250153615723475822551
5Basic Health Service Centre (BHSC)13021217130394210808179217582
 Total223022573576163419391265141214313
Province wise distribution of health facilities in Nepal

Province wise distribution of hospitals in Nepal

S. NoHealth FacilityKoshiMadheshBagmatiGandakiLumbiniKarnaliSudurpaschimTotal
1Basic Hospitals (5-15 beds)81276316251717246
2General Hospitals (25-50 beds)41557966571619333
3General Hospitals (100-300 beds)1116269123279
4Specialized Hospitals (100 beds and above)6212040428
5Super Speciality Hospitals (50+ beds)2015130122
6Academy and Teaching Hospitals (300+ beds)3313361029
Total144103208951073743737
Province wise distribution of hospitals in Nepal
Other types of health facilities (Dental clinics, polyclinics, safe abortion service sites, HTCs, path labs)
Health FacilityKoshiMadheshBagmatiGandakiLumbiniKarnaliSudurpaschimTotal
13618014309317583672164
Other types of health facilities

Read More: Nepal Health Facts Sheet 2023

Related information (2019 updates)
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Thailand International Postgraduate Programme (TIPP)
CoursesFellowships, Studentship & ScholarshipsInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesOpportunities by RegionPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

Thailand Annual International Training Courses (AITC) 2024

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The Thailand Annual International Training Courses (AITC) is accepting application from eligible candidates for 2024 session. The AITC aims at sharing Thailand’s best practices and experiences in key areas; Sufficiency Economic Philosophy (SEP), Agriculture and Food Security, Public Health, Climate Change and Environmental Issues, Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model and Other Topics Related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we hope that knowledge shared during the course will help to strengthen the international cooperation and achieving the international development goals.

S.No.CourseThemeOrganizationDurationClosing date of registrationApplication/Registration Form
1.Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security with BCG ModelAgriculture and Food SecurityAcademic Service Centre, Burapha University 11 – 20 March 202411 February 2024https://forms.gle/eTzs2Q5w6j1i1snk9
2.The Application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy towards Sustainable Development Implementation for AllSEPAcademic Service Centre, Burapha University22 – 29 April 202422 March 2024https://forms.gle/VswxHSWA3Mxbuuuf6
3.(Onsite Training) Climate Smart Agriculture: Smart Farming Practices Climate Change and Environmental IssuesSchool of Science, Walailak University29 April – 17 May 202426 February 2024https://shorturl.asia/lMyvd
4.Sufficiency Living in BCG Development Strategy (SLinBCG)SEPNational Institute of Development Administration7 – 23 May 20247 April 2024https://forms.gle/R4k1FRb33Wco5CWZ9
5.Sustainable Creative & Responsible Tourism  Development based on BCG ModelBCG ModelAcademic Service Centre, Burapha University6 – 17 May 20246 April 2024https://forms.gle/VNTPb74HPyyYLGjL9
6.Market Access through Competency Based Education and Training in Horticulture (MACBETH) Short Course: Training-of-trainers on Managing Food Safety in Fresh/Processed Fruit and Vegetable Value ChainsAgriculture and Food SecurityFaculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University13-24 May 202413 April 2024https://forms.gle/vXPXHrXvuXt3G1386
7.Driving Local Agricultural Products from Self-sufficient Production to Creative EconomySEPFaculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University13 May – 7 June 202413 April 2024https://forms.gle/poirA1oiaW9DPVgC7
8.Networking and Capacity Building of Biomedical Personnel in Developing Countries for Facing Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious DiseasesPublic HealthFaculty of Associated Medical Science, Chiang Mai University20 – 31 May 202420 April 2024https://forms.gle/CuD23oA4x3NuJW3p6
9.Skills Development Tropical Fruit Cultivation in Organic Agriculture and Integrated Farming for Sustainable Development 2023Agriculture and Food SecurityInternational Institute, Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University3 – 16 June 20243 May 2024https://forms.gle/oZrg65zLkUGxPUy77
10.Upskilled Biomedical Engineers for Transformation of Healthcare Technology SupportsPublic HealthCollege of Biomedical Engineering, Rangsit University3 – 29 June 20243 May 2024https://forms.gle/7mNzmj3ckfrRqeRCA
11.Animal Production for Sustainable Development Goal and Future Food EconomyAgriculture and Food SecurityFaculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University10 – 26 June 202410 May 2024https://forms.gle/S1wYK8UVMTHWknwt8
12.Global Social Work and Social WelfarePublic HealthMinistry of Social Development and Human Security17 – 20 June 202417 May 2024https://forms.gle/FsRPVpWPbdBibd4X9
13.Preventive Medicine in Public HealthPublic HealthDepartment of Health, Ministry of Health1 – 19 July 20241 June 2024https://forms.gle/BMfNDybJmQNHFhh36
14.Postharvest, Processing and Waste Utilization: Cutting Edge Technologies for Food SecurityAgriculture and Food SecuritySchool of Agro – Industry, Mae Fah Luang University5 – 11 August 20245 July 2024https://forms.gle/1DupQsdSdFydbv839
15.Toward Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero WasteClimate Change and Environmental IssuesThailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment19 – 23 August 202419 July 2024https://forms.gle/QH6jUkRMpi8JSuJ8A
Thailand Annual International Training Courses (AITC) 2024

More Info: Official LinK

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Call for Proposal, EOI & RFPInternshipsPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunityTraining

Call for Applications: UN Traineeship Programme-Cohort X

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

United Nations in Nepal, invites applications from potential Nepali candidates belonging to the Excluded and Marginalized Group. We are pleased to announce a comprehensive 11-month traineeship program that offers full-time on-the-job training with access to mentoring and practical experience in the UN working environment.
Selected trainees will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse fields, including General Administration , Finance/Administration and Logistics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Disaster Risk Management, Climate and Data information , Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Program Support and Data Management , Harmful Practices and Youth , Governance/Rule of Law and Human Right, Result Based Management, Strategic Planning & Knowledge Management, Communication , Water Sanitation & Hygiene, Nutrition, Health, Education, Social Policy Governance and Evidence, Supply & Procurement, Human Resource, Monitoring Review and Evaluation (MRE), Anticipatory Action (AA), Programme (Climate Change resilience, livelihood) , Finance and Resource Management, Research and Operations support.

Minimum Selection Criteria

  • University graduate (minimum Bachelor’s Degree)
  • Belonging to an Excluded and Marginalized Group (Disadvantage Janajati, Dalit, Madhesi, Religious Minority)Belonging to LGBITQ++
  • Persons with Disabilities (from any Social Group)
  • Respect of UN Core Values: Professionalism , Integrity, and Respect for Diversity
  • Strong commitment to learn
  • Basic communication skills (verbal and written) in English and Nepali languages
  • Commitment to complete the 11 months Traineeship Program

How to Apply:

Interested and eligible candidates can:

Note: Frontline Consult Pvt. Ltd , on behalf of the United Nations in Nepal has been facilitating in this traineeship programme 

  • Browse the link www.frontline.com .np/untrainee and fill up the Online Form and attach your Recent Resume, Copy of Bachelor’s Degree Transcript , Copy of Nepali Citizenship, Self Declaration Letter, and a Motivational Letter (not exceeding 200 words) explaining your interest and expectations from the UN Traineeship Program. Candidates should indicate their Area of Interest. OR
  • Submit the duly filled Online Form (available at www.frontline.com .np/untrainee), along with the Motivational Letter (not exceeding 200 words), Recent Resume, Copy of Bachelor’s Degree Transcript , Self Declaration Letter, and Copy of  Nepali Citizenship to the following address;

Frontline Consult Private Limited
4th Floor, Gravity Center, Anamnagar-29 , Kathmandu, Nepal (100 Meters North from Singh Durbar East Gate)
Post Box Number: 6031 Phone: 01 5707271
The application deadline is till 31st December 2023 at 17:00 hours. Applications received after the deadline shall automatically disqualify.
Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the further selection process. Any kind of activity intended to influence the selection process will lead to disqualification.

  • Application Helpline: 9801898003
  •  

Candidates from Excluded and Marginalized Group, persons with disabilities , gender and sexual minorities are eligible to apply. Selected candidates will receive a Stipend, Social Security Fund, and all the benefits as per the prevailing Labor Law. Trainees will be contracted by Frontline Consult Private Limited (a subcontracted company by the UNDP) and assigned to participating UN Agencies in any location within Nepal.
United Nations has a zero-tolerance against Sexual exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH). Everyone is responsible for preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (PSEA and SH), and all UN personnel must adhere to the standards of conduct that preserves PSEA principles (both during work hours and outside work hours). All selected candidates will, therefore, go through a safe hiring process.


Note: This traineeship program is not a permanent employment opportunity with any UN agency, and the UN and Frontline Consult do not charge any fees at any stage of the Recruitment Process and Traineeship Program from the candidates. We would also like to inform that UN has not appointed any institute/organization for training purposes to enroll candidates into the UN Traineeship Programme.

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