Minister Mehta bats for collaboration among stakeholders to face health challenges

Kathmandu, April 7: Minister for Health and Population Neesha Mehta has said that health for all and a safe Nepal will be built through the implementation of the fundamental rights provided in the Constitution.     

Speaking at today's event held here today on the occasion of the World Health Day 2082, she emphasised that cooperation among all sectors and stakeholders is essential to address the recent health challenges.     

Minister Mehta stated that humans, animals and the environment have intimate relationship, and until nature is protected and animals are healthy, the human race cannot be completely healthy.     

Noting that the risk of diseases transmitted from animals to humans is increasing, she said climate change is causing an increase in vector-borne diseases.     

"Due to environmental pollution, respiratory problems, heart diseases, and strokes are increasing. The excessive and indiscriminate use of 'antimicrobial' drugs in humans and animals has caused a major problem of 'antibiotic resistance', and we must now be vigilant about this," she added.     

Health Minister Mehta urged the general public to focus on personal hygiene to reduce the potential risk of disease, vaccinate pets, use antibiotics only on the advice of healthcare professionals, and maintain a clean environment.     

With the slogan 'The welfare of humans, animals and the environment, science and one health is our victory', the day is being celebrated today with various programmes across Nepal and worldwide.     

The World Health Day 2026 is being observed across the world today under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science”. It calls on people everywhere to stand with science.     

According to the WHO, this year’s observance launches a year‑long campaign celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. The campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action – through a strong focus on the One Health approach.(RSS)