Assessment of the policy context and climate resilience capacity of health systems in Nepal

Partners:  HERD International, Nepal, Queen Margaret University, UK  and LSTM, UK

 

Study objective

The study aims to explore the policy context and assess the climate resilience capacity of health systems in Nepal, especially at the local level, to address the health risks of climate change in the country. Specific objectives are:

• Assess health sector policies, preparedness and responses adopted to address the health risks of climate change at national and subnational levels in Nepal
• Adapt and develop a climate resilience capacity mapping framework and assess the capacity of a municipal health system to face the challenges posed by climate change
• Collaborate with health system stakeholders to co-create a context relevant adaptation intervention package to support building a climate resilient health system

The study is being implemented in Patarasi rural municipality in Jumla District, Kapilvastu municipality in Kapilvastu District, and Budhanilkantha municipality in Kathmandu District.

 

 

Background to the study

The impact of climate change on health is visible and growing in Nepal. As per the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Nepal ranked 12 out of 180 climate vulnerable countries in the world (Eckstein et al., 2021). The Government of Nepal has recognized the public health sector as one of the sectors most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change (Joshi et al., 2011). Due to its diverse geography and climate conditions, Nepal is exposed to various disasters resulting from climate change. The Terai/flat areas experience floods, hills experience landslides and forest fires, while the mountainous areas are prone to debris flow, landslides and avalanches, and glacial lake outburst floods (MoFE, 2018). The adverse impacts of climate change have caused a shift in the outbreak pattern of vector-borne, waterborne, airborne, cardiovascular- and nutrition-related diseases, along with injuries and mental illnesses (Joshi et al., 2011, McMichael et al., 2012). Climate change undoubtedly impacts on human health, however, little is known of the relationships between exposure to extreme weather events and health effects, including mental health problems in South Asia (Tiwari, et al. 2022). Earthquakes, floods and landslides usually damage and interrupt the water supply and sanitation system leading to poor quality, insufficient water for drinking, hygienic practices, and sanitation,  ultimately leading to disease outbreaks. In addition, damage to the health infrastructure is a risk posed by climate change in Nepal where health facilities are largely situated in risk-prone areas such as close to rivers and steep slopes (MoFE, 2021).

 

Thus, health systems need to be strengthened to be efficient and responsive in the face of the shocks and stresses they may face. Integrating a climate-resilience strategy into healthcare systems plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of the system, enhancing the long-term sustainability and value derived from investments in healthcare (WHO, 2015).

 

Outputs from this study

Video presentation: Road to climate resilient health systems: Policy context and climate actions at subnational level in Nepal – presented at the Health Systems Research Symposium 2024

 

 

 

Image: The 2024 flood in Kathmandu, Nepal. Cortesy Setopati News

 

 

 

"ReBUILD for Resilience brings together partners to share experiences, to discuss our contexts, and to create an appropriate model that helps build resilience in health systems across the country and beyond"

Sushil Baral, HERD International