Health, Education and Innovation Conference kicks off in Lalitpur

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 13: An international conference on 'Advancing Health Education, Research and Innovation' kicked off on Saturday in Lalitpur. 

The two-day event is being jointly organised by the Central Department of Education at Tribhuvan University and the Health Education Association Nepal (HEAN), with support from the University Grants Commission.

The opening ceremony featured key figures including Shambhu Prasad Khatiwada, Associate Chair of the Central Department of Education; Pabitra Subedi, Member of the Education Service Commission; and Professor Dr. Bedraj Acharya, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Tribhuvan University. 

Other distinguished guests included Dr. Tulsi Ram Bhandari from Pokhara University, Ashok Kumar Benju, Mayor of Dhulikhel Municipality and representatives from various academic and governmental institutions.

Journal of HEAN was launched at the conference and special recognition was given to Achyut Dev Sitaula for his contributions to HEAN, and recent PhD graduates in health education were honoured with certificates of appreciation.

Professor Dr. Sarah Bauman of the University of Pittsburgh, USA, delivered the keynote address. The plenary session featured presentations on healthy cities by Mayor Ashok Kumar Benju and public health expert Dr. Dirgha Raj Shrestha.

Professor Dr. Bhimsen Devkota, Chairperson of HEAN, said that 18 research papers were presented and discussed across two parallel sessions. Four interactive poster sessions also took place, providing a platform for emerging researchers.

The event featured cultural performances showcasing local traditions, along with sessions on yoga and meditation, reflecting a holistic approach to health and well-being.

According to Dr. Kalpana Gyawali, Vice President of HEAN, the conference aims to highlight the importance of health education in shaping public policy and advancing societal well-being. Dr Bhagwan Aryal, General Secretary of HEAN, informed that around 300 participants from Nepal and abroad are attending the conference.

In addition to the academic sessions, HEAN’s 17th General Assembly and elections for a new central committee are also being held during the conference.