Nepal proposes to host Global Conference on Health and Climate Change

KATHMANDU: Nepal has proposed to host the Global Conference on Health and Climate Change next year.

Talking to the media at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Thursday, upon his return after attending the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel said the World Health Organization (WHO) has responded positively to Nepal’s proposal.

In the assembly, Paudel said he talked about the impact of climate change on Nepal’s healthcare system, underscoring the country’s vulnerability due to its Himalayan geography.

“Given the unique health challenges faced by populations in mountainous regions, we proposed to host the global conference to bring global attention to the intersection of climate change and public health,” Paudel said.

He also highlighted Nepal’s recent progress in the health sector, noting that other countries have viewed these developments positively.

On WHO’s recommendation to impose taxes on health-harming products, Paudel said Nepal has already proposed increased taxation on such items in the upcoming national budget.